New Flu Immunization Guidelines, Ample Vaccine, Open Door to Protecting
More Residents Against Influenza:
Over 6 Months of Age? Odds are You Need a Flu Vaccination
DENVER - Officials at the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment say expanded age recommendations and an ample supply of
influenza vaccine will allow more people to be protected against flu
during the upcoming 2008-09 flu season. The influenza virus, or the flu,
is a very contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious health
complications and sometimes death.
In an effort to better protect the public, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) now is recommending that all eligible
children ages 6 months through 18 years receive the influenza vaccine.
Prior to this season the recommendation was for ages 6 months to 6
years. Immunizing more children against the flu ultimately better
protects the entire community against an outbreak of flu. By preventing
these children from getting sick, family members also are protected as
well as the many other people these children might come in contact with
on a daily basis.
Every year in the United States, on average, 5-20 percent of the
population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from
flu complications and about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people,
such as older people, young children and people with certain health
conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
In addition to the health impact from flu, the disease also can carry
with it huge financial costs for persons who miss work due to their
illness, or the illness of a family member. According to the CDC,
studies have shown adults receiving a flu vaccine have 27 percent fewer
missed work days due to illness.
Vaccine manufacturers are projecting that as many as 143-146 million
doses of influenza vaccine will be available for use in the United
States this season. This is an all-time high supply of vaccine making it
possible for more people than ever to seek protection from the flu. In
fact, some vaccine doses already have arrived at doctor’s offices and
health clinics around the state.
“The single best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is
to get the flu vaccine,” said Ned Calonge, Chief Medical Officer for the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “More available
vaccine means more protection for the most vulnerable people in our
communities, such as babies, the elderly and those with certain health
problems.”
The flu season typically peaks in January or February. However, cases
may be reported as early as October. People can start receiving the
influenza vaccine now and still have immunity through the season which
generally ends in March. For flu vaccine clinic information visit
www.immunizecolorado.com or call 1-877-462-2911.
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State of Colorado,
Department
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