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Flu News for Senior Citizens
CDC Sets Last Week in November as National Flu
Vaccination Week
Plenty of vaccine delivered, seniors urged
to get shots even if late
November 13, 2006 – The week after Thanksgiving has
been designated at National Influenza Vaccination Week by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention in an effort to urge Americans –
senior citizens in particular – to get a flu vaccination, even if it is
in December or later. The primary focus has been on urging shots in
October and November.
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on
FLU 2005-06 |
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Already, 77 million flu vaccine doses have been
distributed and vaccine supply is expected to reach an all-time high.
Flu vaccine manufacturers have reported they expect 110 - 115 million
doses of flu vaccine to be distributed this year. This is at least 27 -
32 million more doses than have been distributed in any past season and
29 - 34 million more doses than were distributed last year.
National Influenza Vaccination Week will run from
November 27 to December 3. CDC is recommending that people take this
opportunity to be vaccinated and is encouraging flu vaccine providers
will use this time to enhance flu vaccine availability by scheduling
additional clinics; extending clinic hours; and enabling a larger role
for mass vaccination at places such as retail locations.
Vaccinations are recommended for anyone who wants
to decrease the risk of influenza. While anyone can get influenza-and
the infection can be severe-many groups, including people aged 50 years
or more, those will chronic illnesses (heart disease, lung disease,
kidney disease, diabetes), and pregnant women, are at highest risk for
complications. In addition, those in close contact with these high risk
persons, such as health care personnel, and healthy household contacts
and caregivers of high risk persons, are also at increased risk and
should get vaccinated.
"Getting vaccinated is the single best way for
people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones
as well," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC Director.
"National interest in getting a flu vaccination has
traditionally tapered off after Thanksgiving. Since flu activity
typically does not peak until February or later, November and December
are also good times to be vaccinated."
"Influenza vaccination can provide protection to a
wide number of people, and is an important factor in minimizing the risk
and severity of flu transmission," said Dr. John Agwunobi, Assistant
Secretary for Health.
"Most people recover completely from a bout with
the flu, but it does cause misery for a week or more and makes people
unable to work, attend school, care for children, and participate in
activities they enjoy. By vaccinating a greater number of people, it
will help many more to be free of discomforting symptoms and not miss
out on their everyday activities."
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FDA Adds Warning to Tamiflu |
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FDA Adds Warning to Tamiflu
The Food and Drug Administration today
called for a label change on Tamiflu that recommends people –
primarily children – taking it should be closely monitored for
signs of abnormal behavior.
More than 100 cases, primarily in Japan,
have been reported of unusual psychiatric behavior by these
patients. Tamiflu is used primarily for the treatment of
children with the flu.
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According to CDC's Immunization Services Division,
progress on vaccine production and distribution has so far met
expectations, which should enable most providers to begin vaccinating
very soon, if they have not done so already.
"Doses are still shipping and will continue to be
shipped through November and into early December," said Dr. Gerberding.
"The good news is that plenty of vaccine will be out there. We are
already hearing from providers who are anxious to get their complete
orders of flu vaccine and vaccinate their patients this season - and
that is wonderful."
For the first time, CDC is also recommending
children aged 24 months to 59 months be vaccinated, since they are also
considered at risk for complications of flu. Previously, the
recommendation was limited to children aged 6 months to 23 months, who
are nearly as likely to be hospitalized for complications due to flu as
those aged 65 years and older. Children aged 24 months to 59 months are
not as likely to be hospitalized as younger children, but are more
likely than older, healthy children to see a physician or visit an
emergency room for flu.
Each year in the United States, between 5 and 20
percent of the population is infected with influenza, about 36,000
people die and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of
influenza complications. Since influenza is unpredictable, and different
types and strains of influenza circulate throughout the flu season, the
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends
that influenza vaccine be offered throughout the influenza season-- even
after influenza has appeared or begun appearing in a community.
For more information about influenza and influenza
vaccine visit
www.cdc.gov/flu.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is a
collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, including the CDC, and the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
(for more information about the Summit, please go to
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13732.html).
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