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December 21, 2000
Contact: Barbara Reynolds
CDC, Division of Media Relations
(404) 639–3286
| Media Advisory: Influenza Update |
| Live – Friday, December 22, 2000, 11 a.m. EST,
Dial (800) 230-1074 |
| WHO: |
The National Vaccine Program Office and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Atlanta: Martin Myers, M.D., NVPO; Keiji Fukuda, M.D., CDC Flu Branch; James
Singleton, M.D., CDC National Immunization Program. |
| WHAT: |
Interactive media teleconference: U.S. influenza vaccine supply and disease activity
update. Brief remarks followed by media Q/A. |
| WHEN: |
Friday, December 22, 2000, 11 a.m. – noon EST (replay available). |
| WHERE: |
At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial (800) 230-1074; Host: Barbara
Reynolds, Tele-conference name: Flu Vaccine (Replay tape available beginning at 2:30
p.m. EST at (800) 475-6701, Access code:560394). |
| WHY: |
Opportunity to answer the following questions and more:
- Influenza vaccine distribution–is it back on track now?
- With flu activity picking up, is a flu shot now worth the effort?
- Why are some people who need the vaccine still not able to find it?
- Any negative health impact from delayed vaccination this year?
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| BACKGROUND: |
You may be thinking people can’t get a flu shot because of the delays in shipment of
the influenza vaccine. During a typical flu season, 110,000 people are hospitalized with
complications from the flu and nearly 20,000 die. CDC health experts urge, “If
you’re visiting family during the holidays, check to make sure your loved ones at high
risk for complications from flu get their flu shot–it’s not too late.” Vaccine is
available now and flu activity is slower than last year at this time. However, to do any
good, the vaccine needs to be administered -- it won’t help if it sits on a shelf. |
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