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
Sept. 23, 2008 - 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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