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Press Release
For Immediate Release
October 24, 2005 |
Contact: CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
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CDC Reports that Nation’s Influenza Vaccine
Supplies Continue to Increase
Advises Broadening of Vaccination Efforts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today said that the
supply of vaccine for this flu season is good and it is time to broaden
vaccinations beyond the high-risk groups. The CDC advised that flu shot
providers who have sufficient supplies of vaccine should broaden their
vaccination efforts to include other people, especially 50-to-64 year olds,
who are interested in getting an influenza vaccination.
The CDC had recommended that until October 24, health care providers focus
their vaccination efforts on people who are at highest risk of serious
complications from influenza. These include people 65 years old and older,
health care workers who provide patient care, pregnant women, 6 to 23-month
old children, and people with chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes,
asthma, and heart conditions).
“It is always a priority for us to want to reach people who are at the
highest risk of complications from influenza and get them vaccinated,” said
CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. “Those efforts should continue, but we
also recognize that many health care providers have enough vaccine to expand
their efforts, and overall, more vaccine is becoming available weekly.”
So far eight states are reporting very mild influenza activity. This level
of activity is typical for this time of year. Influenza peeks most often in
January and February so the coming weeks on into December afford excellent
opportunities for vaccination.
Gerberding noted that not all health-care providers have received their
influenza vaccine, but are expecting to be receiving it in the coming weeks.
These localized shortages are the result of distribution anomalies that are
expected to be resolved soon.
“In those situations, we ask people to check with their doctor first to
make sure they have a supply,” said Gerberding. “We’re early into the time
when people should get flu vaccinations and many doctors will be receiving
vaccine shortly. Millions of more doses of vaccine are on the way, and
November and December are also fine when it comes to getting your flu
vaccination.”
Local health care providers or public health officials will know about the
availability of vaccine in specific communities. Getting a flu shot is
important. Wellness and prevention should be the first priority for families
across the country as this flu season begins.
For more information on seasonal flu visit:
www.hhs.gov/flu. |
