| September 16, 2009 |
|
Get ALL your flu shots this fall
Seasonal flu and H1N1 require separate vaccinations
Contact Information
Janna Williams
501-212-8646
The H1N1 flu virus may be dominating the health news headlines this year, but it’s important to remember that the regular seasonal flu still poses a threat as well. Seasonal influenza kills an estimated 36,000 people every year in the United States — far more than have died in this country from the H1N1 virus. To be fully protected this year, people will need to be immunized against both the seasonal flu and H1N1. “I expect the illness burden from this year’s flu season to be the worst in a long time,” said Dr. J. Gary Wheeler, associate medical director of quality for the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. “Never before has flu vaccination been so important. Plan to get all your flu shots now.” Anyone who wants to avoid the flu will benefit from being vaccinated, but children, the elderly, and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable to developing serious complications if they get the virus. Last year, the federal Centers for Disease Control began recommending that all children 6 months to 19 years old be vaccinated against the flu. This was an expansion from earlier recommendations that children 6 months old through age 5 be vaccinated. The complete list of recommended groups is: · Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday · Pregnant women · People 50 years of age and older · People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions · People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities · Health care workers · People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including children younger than 6 months old (these children are too young to be vaccinated) Getting a seasonal flu shot should be even easier this year, thanks to an effort by the state Health Department to make sure every adult and child in the state is immunized. The Health Department more than doubled the number of vaccine doses it ordered for this flu season, and will be giving flu shots at free mass clinics around the state beginning in late October. (For more information about the mass clinics, call 1-800-651-3493 or go online to www.healthyarkansas.gov.) You may also be able to get a flu shot from your health care provider or a local pharmacy. The Health Department is also handling the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. The first doses are expected to arrive in Arkansas by mid-October, and should be available through both the department and some health care providers. Department officials have not yet finalized distribution plans, so those interested in receiving an H1N1 vaccine should check for updates at www.healthyarkansas.gov. The flu shot isn’t the only vaccine that’s especially important for older people. The CDC also recommends that everyone over the age of 65 — and younger adults who smoke or have asthma or certain other medical conditions — be vaccinated against pneumonia. This is usually a one-time vaccination, but some people who were first immunized more than five years ago may need a second dose. For 37 years, through utilization review, quality improvement projects, and public education, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care has worked to improve the health of Arkansans. Our mission statement: To promote excellence in health care through evaluation and education. Visit our online newsroom at www.afmc.org/media.