Influenza Vaccine Information for the 2010-2011 Season

Who? Flu Vaccination is recommended for everyone for the prevention of seasonal influenza A and B. Patients at higher risk of complications from influenza include infants under age 2 years and children with a history of wheezing/asthma, respiratory illnesses, prematurity, diabetes, or heart disease. Why get a flu vaccine? Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is known to significantly increase the risk of ear infections, wheezing, pneumonia, and other serious conditions. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population get the flu; More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, including 20,000 children; and About 36,000 people die from flu. Why not get the vaccine? People with allergy to eggs or who have a history of severe reaction to a previous influenza vaccine should not get it. Which one should I get? Both flu shots and flu mist are effective at preventing illness from influenza A and B, including the novel H1N1 virus ("Swine Flu"). Flu Shots are indicated for children and adults ages 6 months and older. Flu Mist (nasal spray) is indicated for children ages 2 years and older, with no history of wheezing in the past year. It cannot be given within 28 days of another live virus vaccine (i.e. MMR, varicella, H1N1 flumist). The Flu Shot is an inactivated virus (dead, shredded pieces of the viruses) injection which is 80% effective at stimulating immunity lasting about 6 months. The Flu Mist is a live attenuated virus (weakened, but alive influenza viruses, similar to the chicken pox vaccine) which is over 90% effective, stimulating immunity lasting about 12 months. “P-free” vaccine is a preservative free inactivated virus flu shot, and is available upon request. When should I get vaccinated? Since Flu Mist provides up to 12 months of protection, that vaccine can be given at any time, ideally early in the flu season. For the Seasonal Flu Shot, October through December is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated later in the flu season still provides protection, as flu season normally peaks in February and lasts through April. How Many Doses? If the patient is under 9 years of age, and they have either never received the influenza vaccine before or did not receive two doses the previous flu season, then they need two doses of influenza vaccine this season, at least 28 days apart. This is also true of H1N1 vaccine. We will do our best to reserve these second doses for you, and will be holding a second-dose flu clinic on Saturday, November 7. How much? During patient visits, we will bill insurance for flu mist and flu shots. During flu clinic, we will accept cash, check, or credit, and will not be billing insurance. Seasonal Flu Shot: TBD Seasonal Flu Mist: TBD What about H1N1 flu (“Swine Flu”)? Though the novel H1N1 influenza virus raised considerable concern in the medical community when it first emerged (spring 2009), we are fortunate that it has proven itself to be no more severe than seasonal influenza. You are certainly hearing a great deal from the media about H1N1 influenza, and this is in large part due to the high prevalence of infection in our community. Because this is a "new" virus to most of our bodies, we are very susceptible to catching it. In general, though, it is no more severe than the influenza we are accustomed to dealing with each winter. (Please see above for further explanation of influenza, its symptoms, and patients at higher risk of complications.) The seasonal influenza vaccine for the 2010-2011 season will provide coverage for the novel H1N1 (“Swine Flu”) virus. See the Centers for Disease Control for details. How do we treat the Flu? The symptoms of the influenza virus is usually best treated with rest, fluids, and ibuprofen for pain and fever relief. If the virus triggers reactive diseases such as asthma, appropriate treatment may be necessary. In addition, a bacterial superinfection such as pneumonia may require antibiotic therapy. The antiviral medications, Tamiflu and Relenza, are being reserved for patients with severe disease requiring hospitalization, high risk patients such as young children under 2 years, and children with asthma and other chronic conditions, per CDC recommendations.