Prioritization for influenza (flu) vaccination . . .

[Deb in IA]

The latest breaking e-mail from the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians:

Chiron Corp., manufacturer of the influenza vaccine Fluvirin, announced today it is unable to release flu vaccine for at least 3 months. Fluvirin, which is manufactured in England, accounted for almost 50 percent of the total US influenza vaccine supply. It is approved for adults and children ages four and above.


The AAP, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agreed on guidelines for physicians. The following high-risk groups (of equal priority) are to receive flu vaccine:



Children 6 through 23 months of age.
Adults 65 years of age and older.
People 24 months - 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions.
Women pregnant during the flu season.
Residents of chronic care facilities.
Children on chronic aspirin therapy.
Healthcare workers with direct patient contact.
Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-6 months of age.



Children under 9 years of age require two doses if they have not been previously vaccinated. All children at high risk of complications from influenza who present for vaccination should be vaccinated with a first or second dose depending on vaccination status. However, doses should not be held in reserve to ensure that two doses will be available. Rather, available vaccine should be used to vaccinate on a first-come, first-served basis.



FluMist is appropriate for those health care workers not in contact with severely immunocompromised persons and those healthy individuals 5-49 years of age in close contact with infants 0-6 months of age.

 

[minniecarousel]

Looks like I won't be getting the vaccine again. I worry about getting the flu and passing it along to my Mom - even though she gets the vaccine. (needless worry?)

 

[Dan Murphy]

I just got finished reading this http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6183476/ , Deb, thanks for the heads up here. And just last night I posted how to find the nearest local Walgreen's for people to get their shots. A bummer for sure.

 

[jel0511]

So my question is, so if you do not fall into those categories, you can not get the vaccine? I already have appointments for my children to receive their flu shots this Thursday. DS has asthma, so he'll qualify, but DD is fine. I wonder if a call to my Ped is in order.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I fall into the category, and my GI has already told me to get it, but I am scared to... not of the shot, but of the risk involved.

Hmmm.

 

[Beth76]

Well, my baby won't be 6 months until January. Isn't that still flu season? Does that mean he can't get one at all? We've never had flu shots before, so I guess we'll be alright. But, his older brother does go to school 3 days a week and I worry about germs from there getting to my baby. I guess we'll just have to be extra careful with handwashing this winter.

 

[grinningghost]

I fit into the adult w/ chronic illness category, but I would just assume let someone in worse shape take my dose.

 

[mtemm]

the twins (6 months) got their first shot last week before all this came up. ped went ahead and gave our 2 year old his, too. dh and I will not be getting them this year...just glad the kids will. assuming there is one for the twins in a month for their 2nd!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I'm not getting one now by the looks,but should my DBF as a CNA?

 

[Mskanga]

As it looks right now I may not be getting one but both of my children are on the high risk category. I hope I don't find myself in a problem here, my kids have been getting it for years.

 

[Christine]

Wow, both my kids got theirs on September 27--I guess before the restrictions came out, although DS does have fairly severe asthma.

 

[LindaG4458]

Received my shot today at a clinic here in Vero Beach. Nobody asked me about risk level.

 

[DawnCt1]

What a timely topic, and I could certainly turn this into a debate. I work for an "outsource" company within an insurance company, which every year provides flu shots for all of its employees and its retirees. It is a wonderful service and I enjoy doing it. I typically will give 350 flu shots per year. Last year however, it became apparent that we had too much flu vaccine at the expense of those whose couldn't get it for their elderly parents, their young children, etc. And due to the constraints of redistributing it , we couldn't give it away to the VNA, etc. The only contribution I could make to "society" then, as it were, was to innoculate as many employees as possible so they would not get the flu and give it to those who couldn't but should have been vaccinated. This year, we are apparently faced with a flu vaccine shortage that will not be made up in the short term. I feel that vaccine should be withheld from companies, etc and provided to primary health care workers, VNA's etc, who will triage those receiving the vaccine so that those who need it first, will get it first. I basicly vaccinate a very well population while asthmatics, the elderly and children need it first. Agree or disagree?

 

[HisEllyNelly]

I have only ever gotten the vaccine once when I worked for a company that provided it. My dad HAS to get it every year being he has a chronic illness. If it was something I normally got and I didnt need it...I would gladly give it up to someone who does have risks as I am sure most would. If I get the flu chances are I will be out of work for a bit and miserable to live with...but the point being I would BE around to live with when others who get the flu could die from it.