Flu Vaccine Statement
- Health Officials and medical providers recommend the influenza vaccine every year for their patients, especially those at high risk for developing serious complications of the flu. The amount of vaccine ordered each year by medical providers and health departments is based on the number of vaccines provided the previous year.
- Medical offices and the health department, coupled with the Office for Aging have offered numerous opportunities for influenza vaccination since October.
- This year local and national media outlets have reported about an earlier and potentially more severe flu season, convincing near record numbers of people to be vaccinated. Due to the increased demand, medical providers and the health department want to insure that high-risk groups receive influenza vaccination.
- The Centers for Disease Control and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices makes recommendations each year as to who should receive the influenza vaccine. Last year was the first time that these health officials encouraged, not recommended, that infants 6 months through 23 months, be immunized against the flu. This age group may be at higher risk for complications from influenza.
- This age group requires a reduced dosage of the vaccine that must be ordered specifically. As this was an encouragement, not a recommendation, most pediatric providers did not secure large amounts of pediatric vaccine.
- Additionally, any child under the age of 9 receiving their first flu shot must have a second flu dose a month later, thus decreasing the supply available for children.
- Much concern for children has arisen out of reports of deaths from influenza occurring among children. This concern has out paced the supply.
- If your child cannot receive the influenza vaccination, there are things you can do to protect your child from infection:
- Influenza vaccination is recommended for household members or caregivers of children under 2 years of age;
- There are medications that may help if you have been exposed to influenza. Contact your medical provider if you are experiencing flu symptoms. It is important to get started on these medications as soon as symptoms appear;
- Frequent hand-washing is critical because it can reduce the spread of viruses that cause colds and the flu;
- Respiratory viruses can stay alive for many hours on surfaces like doorknobs. When you touch the surface, germs get on your hands. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth will provide a way for the germs to get into your body and make you ill; waterless hand gel or sanitizer is useful as well;
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw it away;
- Teach your children these respiratory hygiene habits as well;
- Protecting yourself will also protect those you love.
- Community medical providers will be focusing on immunizing high-risk groups including those adults 50 years and older; adults and children over the age of four, with chronic, long-term health problems that suppress the immune system; and healthy pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during the flu season.
- CANCELLED:
The Broome County Health Department will offer an influenza clinic on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Health Department building at 225 Front Street, Binghamton. This clinic will be on first-come first-serve basis, no appointments will be taken. The cost is $18.25 cash or no cost with a Medicare Part B Card.
This clinic is open to anyone wishing to reduce his or her risk of the flu. Those at high risk are strongly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine. The Broome County Health Department will provide influenza vaccine to anyone ages three and older.
Residents can hear a recording of this information 24 hours a day by calling 607.778.3911, choose option 4. The National Immunization Hotline can be reached during normal business hours at 1.800.232.2522.
CONTACT:
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3921
email: jcchytilo@co.broome.ny.us
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