This year, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in favor of "universal" influenza vaccinations in the United States to protect as many people as possible against the flu. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to expand the vaccination recommendations for the 2010-2011 flu season to include all persons six months of age and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.
Even people who got vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine or the seasonal vaccine need to be vaccinated this year. This season’s vaccine provides protection against other strains that were not in either the seasonal or the 2009 H1N1 vaccine last season. Furthermore, immunity from a vaccine received last year may decline over time.
Even healthy adults with no previously identified risk factors can develop influenza-related complications, including adults, ages 19-49 years old. They were not specifically recommended for vaccination in previous influenza seasons; however, they were unusually affected by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
The updated recommendations identify new populations at high risk of serious flu-related complications, including:
1.) People who are morbidly obese (those with a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
2.) Alaskan Natives and American Indians. Earlier ACIP recommendations for seasonal flu vaccination – which focused on people at higher risk of flu-related complications, including children six months through 18 years of age, and close contacts of higher risk people – already applied to 85% of the U.S. population.
Montgomery County and CareHere will be providing flu shots are your local CareHere Clinic until November 18th, at no cost to insured employees, spouses, retirees and children, ages four years and up. Flu shots will be given on a first come, first serve basis. To learn more, visit http://carehere.com/ or call Scott Kramer at 832-1280.
