For immediate release: December 30, 2004 (04-148)

Contacts: Kate Lynch, Communications Office 360-236-4072
                 Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076

Outreach campaign reminder for high priority groups: still time for flu shots
Department of Health issues statewide radio and print public service announcements

OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health is beginning a statewide campaign aimed at encouraging people in high priority groups to keep seeking a flu shot. The agency is distributing public service announcements (PSAs) alerting residents that there is still time for high priority individuals to get a flu shot and that vaccine — while still limited — is available.

"Now is a great time for high priority people to get a flu vaccine since flu season does not typically peak until February or March," says State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "For high priority people, flu vaccine is the best protection against serious complications from influenza — these PSAs will remind people of the importance of getting vaccinated."

The radio and print PSAs are produced in English and Spanish. The messages encourage people to check out the agency’s Flu News Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews) for flu prevention and vaccine information. The Web site includes copies of the print version of the PSAs, provides information on the expanded list of high priority groups eligible for flu shots, and offers recommendations to help prevent the spread of influenza and other diseases.

On December 17, the Department of Health expanded flu shot eligibility to the traditional high priority groups in anticipation of revised federal recommendations. Now, all people over age 50 are eligible for a flu shot, as well as out-of-home caregivers, and people living with any person at high risk for complications from influenza.

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