For Immediate Release:

December 4, 2003

Contact:

Sue Denny

Section for Communicable Disease Prevention

573-751-6439

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones With Flu Vaccine

This year’s influenza season has begun early and some parts of the country are having very high levels of widespread flu infection, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the flu. It is highly effective in preventing serious complications in those with other health problems. I am encouraging everyone to be immunized,” said Dick Dunn, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “It isn’t too late to get the vaccine, as late as January or even later,” said Dunn.

Missouri has reports of 916 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza from October 1 to December 3, compared with 15 cases during the same time last year. “That is the earliest we have seen large numbers of cases this early in the season since before 1992,” said Dunn. The first confirmed case of influenza of the 2003-2004 season was reported on October 27. “During the 2002-2003 season, we didn’t see the first case until December 31.” The disease is already widespread in many states.

“Each year in the United States 36,000 people die from complications related to the flu,” according to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. In Missouri, there are approximately 1,000 deaths from complications of influenza each year. “Early indications are that we may be in for a more severe season than in the previous three years. There is plenty of vaccine to meet demand so protect yourself and those who you love and go out and get vaccinated right now.”

Some concerns have been raised about this year's vaccine and the strain of influenza that is circulating. Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., director of the CDC, has assured the public that the vaccine will offer protection.

The CDC recommends the following individuals get vaccinated against influenza:

• persons 50 years and older;
• residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house persons of any age who have long-term illnesses;
• adults and children 6 months of age and older who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma;
• adults and children 6 months of age and older who need regular medical care or had to be in a hospital because of metabolic diseases (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicine or by infection with HIV/AIDS;
• children and teenagers 6 months to 18 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy and therefore could develop Reye Syndrome after the flu; and
• women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season.

In addition, CDC recommends the following groups of people get vaccinated to prevent spreading flu to individuals at high risk of complications from flu:

• doctors, nurses, and other employees in hospitals and doctors’ offices, including emergency response workers;
• employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities who have contact with patients or residents;
• employees of assisted living and other residences for people in high-risk groups;
• people who provide home care to those in high-risk groups; and
• household members (including children) of people in high-risk groups.

The same high-risk people should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine, which can be given at the same time as the flu shot. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a frequent complication of influenza for high-risk people. Generally, a one-time shot is all that is needed for protection in otherwise healthy people. Individuals should talk to their health-care providers about getting pneumococcal vaccine.

Children six to 23 months old, their household contacts, and out-of-home caregivers are also encouraged to be vaccinated against influenza. Because infants and toddlers are at risk for complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) encourages parents to obtain the vaccine for all children six to 23 months old. Since the vaccine is not approved for children less than six months of age, people who care for newborns can best protect them by being immunized themselves.

The flu vaccine for children is available through the Vaccines for Children program with providers located throughout the state. As with any immunization, parents of infants and toddlers are encouraged to check with their pediatricians, family physicians and local health departments for guidance on receiving the flu shot.

Dunn added that any person older than six months of age who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza should receive the vaccine.

People should contact their physicians, their local health departments, or urgent care centers in their localities to determine where they may still get their flu shots. Medicare Part B covers flu shots, as do many health insurance plans. People usually develop immunity to the disease about two weeks after receiving the immunization. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services works closely with the CDC to monitor which influenza strains are circulating in the state each season.

For more information contact your physician or your local health department.

###