2006-07 Flu Season Update

(11/23/2006) National Influenza Vaccination Week
November 27 – December 3

This year, with a record 77 million doses of flu vaccine already shipped, the U.S. has not experienced the same acute shortage of vaccine as occurred in 2004. However, scattered distribution problems have occurred, with some physicians’ offices and health clinics unable to administer the vaccine as early as planned. It is especially important that senior citizens, disabled adults and their family caregivers consider receiving a flu shot.

In order to emphasize that people should still get their flu shots, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated the week after Thanksgiving as National Influenza Vaccination Week. According to CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding, “Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well.”

It’s not too late to get your flu shot. So far, a relatively small number of areas have experienced outbreaks, and the major flu season has not yet begun. Gerberding observes, “National interest in getting a flu vaccination has traditionally tapered off after Thanksgiving. Since flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, November and December are also good times to be vaccinated.”

Who Should Receive the Vaccine?

With the ample supply this year, anyone who wishes to avoid the flu should be vaccinated. And though the flu can be pretty miserable for anyone, it can be a serious—even life-threatening—illness for older adults and those with certain medical conditions. Complications include secondary infections, such as sinus and ear infections, bronchitis or pneumonia, and damage to liver or kidneys. Therefore, it is recommended that you receive the shot if…

*you are over 65
*you are a resident or staff member of a care facility
*you have chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, anemia or asthma
*you have an illness or treatment that weakens your immune system

Also, the CDC advises this year that children from 6 months to 59 months be vaccinated.

For More Information

Information about this year's vaccines and the spread of influenza will appear on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website's Influenza Information Center.

More information about immunization can be found on the websites of the National Partnership for Immunization and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).