Flu shot program

The flu shot manufacturers, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC are committed to protecting people from the flu. All involved parties are working to meet the projected demand in the United States for the flu vaccine during the upcoming flu season.

Yes. Influenza viruses change every year. A new vaccine is used annually to fight the most current influenza virus. In addition, the antibody a person develops from the vaccine declines over time.

Influenza usually occurs from November until April, with activity peaking between late December and early March. The optimal time for flu shots is during October through November; however, it is clinically beneficial to be vaccinated through December and January.

Influenza usually leaves its victims unable to function for several days and is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Getting an annual flu shot is your best protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you receive a flu shot if you meet their criteria of high risk or fall under one of the following categories:

• Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting the flu
• People over the age of 50
• People with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, history of stroke or heart attack, a chronic disease, diabetes, compromised immune system, anemia, asthma or other breathing problems
• A health care worker with high-risk patients
• People who had required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic, kidney or blood cell diseases
• People traveling to a foreign country
• People living or working with persons who fit into one of these categories

You are classified as high-risk if you fall under one of the following categories:

• Anyone 65 years of age or older
• People who are in contact with persons at increased risk of influenza-related complications
• Residents or employees of a nursing home or other chronic care facility where some of the residents have chronic medical conditions
• People who have a chronic medical condition, such as asthma or another lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or blood disease
• People who have immune system problems caused either by disease (e.g., HIV or lymphoma) or by medication (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy)
• Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season
• Children or teenagers, 6 months–18 years of age, who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• Health care workers who care for high-risk patients in the patients' homes

Anyone who is allergic to eggs should avoid being vaccinated, since the virus used is grown in hens' eggs.

There are many ways you can protect yourself from contagious illnesses, including the flu:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
• If you do get sick, stay home from school or work.