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For immediate release: October 5, 2005 (05-127)
Contacts:
Michele Perrin, Immunization
Program 360-236-3720
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076
Vaccinate babies, elderly, high risk children and adults against flu early
OLYMPIA ¾ Flu season is approaching and it’s time for high-risk individuals to get a flu vaccine. Everyone can benefit from an annual influenza vaccine, and for many people it is critical. Influenza can strike anyone and is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly, who are at greater risk for complications from the flu. At best, catching the flu may result in fever, cough, and a few days lost from work or school. At its worst, flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
This year, to help ensure that people at highest risk for serious complications are vaccinated, the Department of Health urges people at high risk to get vaccinated now. Beginning October 24, 2005, everyone can get a flu shot. Many people and providers are anxious because of the supply challenges over the last few years; we do not anticipate a widespread shortage based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projections. The supply may vary in different communities.
The Department of Health provides flu vaccine for children under 19 who are high risk or are household contacts of a high risk person. We expect to receive our full allocation of about 200,000 doses and have begun distributing it to local communities. The vaccine is provided to the patient at no cost; providers usually charge an office visit or administration fee. Adults should consult with their insurance carriers to check on coverage for flu vaccine.
Every year an average of 36,000 people in the United States die from flu-related illness and 200,000 people are hospitalized. "Many of these illnesses and deaths are avoidable," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Vaccination reduces your risk of getting the flu, and reduces the severity of the flu if you get it."
Those at high risk for complications from the flu include anyone over 65; children 6-23 months of age; and children and adults with chronic medical conditions — including lung or heart conditions, diabetes, asthma, or suppressed immune systems. Also at high risk are pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities. People living with or caring for a high risk person, including health-care providers, should also be vaccinated against the flu.
Babies from birth to six months of age have an extremely high rate of complications from flu. It is especially important that anyone who lives with or provides care for children in this age group be vaccinated, because these children are too young to be vaccinated.
One tool that can help health care providers facilitate flu immunizations is Washington’s immunization registry, CHILD Profile (http://www.childprofile.org). The CHILD Profile Immunization Registry makes it easier than ever to keep track of immunizations given and create reminder lists for high risk patients who need a flu vaccination.
People are urged to use their regular health care providers for immunizations. Parents can call the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (http://www.hmhbwa.org) hotline at 1-800-322-2588 for help finding an immunization clinic for their child. Adults can also check the American Lung Association Flu Shot Locator (http://flucliniclocator.org/).
The Department of Health Flu News Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/) provides additional information on flu vaccine.
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