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Flu Vaccination Information
For the 2004-2005 winter season, the flu vaccine is in short supply due to problems with one of the major manufacturers. Because of this shortage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that certain people should have priority getting a flu shot this season.
The CDC recommends flu vaccines for all children ages 6-23 months. Recent studies have shown that children less than 2 years old--even healthy children--are more likely than older children to end up in the hospital with serious complications if they get influenza.
Caregivers of young children under six months should also be vaccinated this year. Childcare staff and family members--particularly the elderly who care for young children--should receive the flu vaccine. Because infants younger than six months cannot be vaccinated, it is important that those who care for these children are immunized to protect the children, as well as the caregiver, from the flu.
Healthy people 2-64 years old should wait to get a flu shot or skip getting a shot this season. However, for healthy people ages 5-49, the FluMist®, a vaccine that you spray in your nose instead of getting as a shot, is available this season. Do not use FluMist® if you are pregnant or if you care for or live with someone whose immune system is very weak and that person has to be kept away from all germs.
What can you do to help stop the spread of flu?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze--throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. If you are sick, do not go near other people so that you do not make them sick too.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
Resources
American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, 6th Fl., New York, NY 10006; 800-LUNG-USA; www.lungusa.org
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a variety of flu resources including downloadable Be A Germ Stopper posters and screen savers. www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm, www.cdc.gov/germstopper
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