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For immediate release: January 13, 2005 (05-002)
Contacts
Tim Church, Communications Office
360-236-4077
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076
Department of Health recommends lifting restrictions on influenza vaccine
OLYMPIA ¾ Recommendations limiting influenza vaccine to people in high priority groups in Washington have been lifted by the state Department of Health. Effective immediately, the new state recommendations allow health care providers to administer flu shots to anyone requesting it, as long as the provider has met the demand from high risk clients. Vaccine supply and demand varies across the state, so local health officials will adopt this recommendation when it is best for their communities.
The new recommendation encourages anyone over six months who wants to prevent the flu to get vaccinated. High priority populations still have the greatest need for protection, and health officials continue to encourage people in these groups who have not received a vaccine to get a flu shot. Vaccine is available and there is still time to get vaccinated. Flu season has been mild so far, but typically peaks in February or March.
"We have been focusing on reaching those at greatest risk for complications from flu," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "In many communities, people in those groups who want to be vaccinated have now gotten their flu shot. The more people protected against the flu, the better. Opening up the remaining vaccine for anyone who wants a flu shot will benefit everyone and ensure that all doses are used."
A key to providing the best community protection against influenza is vaccinating as many children as possible. "Research has shown that children are huge reservoirs and spreaders of influenza, and young children are at high risk for complications from the flu," said Dr. Hayes. "It’s important to protect them and everyone they come in contact with by making sure high risk children and children who are household contacts or caregivers of anyone in a high risk group are vaccinated. There is plenty of childhood flu vaccine around the state."
If you have questions about flu vaccine or to find out where to get a flu vaccination, call your health care provider, local health department or the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies hotline at 1-800-322-2588. High priority people can also check the American Lung Association Web site (http://www.findaflushot.com/lungusa).
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