Early Onset of Flu Season Emphasizes Importance of Flu Vaccine

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
For Immediate Release:
November 24, 2003

Contact:
Sue Denny
Section for Communicable Disease Prevention
573-751-6439

This year's influenza season has begun early and some parts of the country are having very high levels of widespread flu infection, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "The flu vaccine is the first line of defense against the disease. It is important for
everyone at risk for complications to be immunized," according to Dick Dunn, director, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

"In Missouri, the first confirmed case of influenza of the 2003-2004 season was reported on October 27. During the 2002-2003 season, we didn't see the first case until December 31," said Dunn. The disease is already widespread in Texas and Colorado.

Some concerns have been raised about this year's vaccine and the strain of influenza that is circulating. Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., director of the CDC, has assured the public that the vaccine will offer protection. According to CDC, this year's influenza vaccine will protect against two Influenza A strains, H3N2 Panama and H1N1 New Caledonia, and Influenza B Hong Kong. "The strain that we are most concerned about, that is a drift version of H3N2, is called the Fujian strain. It's very similar, it's just drifted a little bit from the Panama strain, and our animal studies suggest that the vaccine will provide cross-protection against this strain," said Dr. Gerberding at a news conference on November 17.

"The point is that people need to get their flu shots. This is the time for Americans to really step up to the plate and get vaccinated against influenza, especially because this could be a worse-than-usual flu season," said Dr. Gerberding. The CDC has announced that flu vaccine is plentiful this season and should be readily available.

It is especially important to get the flu shot as soon as possible if you:

• are 65 years or older
  
• are more than 12 weeks pregnant during flu season (November-April)
  
• are a child or adult with a health problem such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, or other lung disease
  
• suffer from a long-term illness that keeps you from fighting infections, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS
  
• are a health care worker.
  

The same high-risk people should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine, which can be given at the same time as the flu shot. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a frequent complication of influenza for high-risk people. Generally, a one-time shot is all that is needed for protection. Individuals should talk to their health-care providers about getting pneumococcal vaccine.

Children six to 23 months old, their household contacts, and out-of-home caregivers are also encouraged to be vaccinated against influenza.
Because infants and toddlers are at risk for complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) encourages parents to obtain the vaccine for all children six to 23 months old. The vaccine is not approved for children less than six months of age.

The flu vaccine for children is available through the Vaccines for Children program with providers located throughout the state. As with any immunization, parents of infants and toddlers are encouraged to check with their pediatricians, family physicians and local health departments for guidance on receiving the flu shot.

Individuals should get their immunization any time from now into December or even January, according to Dunn. People usually develop immunity to the disease about two weeks after receiving the immunization. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services works closely with the CDC to monitor which influenza strains are circulating in the state each season. For more information contact your physician or your local health department.

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