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For immediate release: December 17, 2004 (04-144)
Contacts:
Tim Church, Communications Office
360-236-4077
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076
State health recommends expanding flu vaccine availability in Washington
OLYMPIA ¾ A wider range of people are now eligible for a flu shot in Washington. In accordance with new federal guidance announced today, the Washington Department of Health has decided to recommend expanding the target group for flu shots. The recommendations — effective immediately in our state — make flu vaccine available to traditional high risk groups, including people over 50, out-of-home caregivers and those living with any high risk person.
"We will continue to encourage folks in high risk groups to get vaccinated," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Vulnerable adults, all children 6-to-23 months and kids 2-to-19 years with chronic health conditions remain our priority and many have been vaccinated. As demand among these groups drops, these new, broader recommendations will help us reach out and protect more people."
Today, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is recommending that flu vaccine priorities be expanded effective January 3, 2005. Washington’s recommendations follow that guidance but are effective immediately. In many areas of the state, demand for flu vaccine among high priority groups is dropping, so expanding the list of target groups immediately in Washington makes sense.
"We know that influenza activity is low all across the country and below average in our state," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "Flu season may not peak until February or March. So, there’s still time to get a flu shot, and that’s the best protection against influenza, especially for people at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses."
The Department of Health Flu News Web page (www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/) provides additional information on flu vaccine and a revised list of high priority populations.
Selecky adds that the state agency has shipped more childhood flu vaccine to local health departments than ever before, and there is plenty to go around. The Department of Health provides flu vaccine to local health agencies for all children 6-23 months; children 2 to19 years who have underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease; and children under 19 who are household contacts of infants less than six months. "There’s plenty of childhood flu vaccine, so if your children are eligible get them in for a flu shot," said Selecky.
People who do not get a flu shot this season can still protect themselves against disease and help prevent the spread of disease to others simply by practicing a few good health manners, listed on our "Preventing the spread of germs" Web page (http://www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/#materials), available in several additional languages, including Spanish, Russian and Korean.
People wondering where to find flu shots should check with their local health department or their personal health care provider. Parents can find a nearby childhood immunization by calling the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies information and referral line at 1-800-322-2588.
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