Flu Vaccine 2001

There is a good supply of the flu vaccine this year but the distribution of the vaccine will be somewhat delayed. Ideally, the flu vaccine should be distributed to all areas by the end of October. This year, manufacturers of the vaccine have said that 60% should be delivered by the end of October, 30% by the end of November and 10% in early December.

Because the full supply of the vaccine will not be available in October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:

• High-risk persons should receive the vaccine in October. This group includes those who are at greatest risk for severe influenza and complications: persons aged 65 and older, nursing home residents, adults or children with chronic illnesses, those who are immunosuppressed and healthcare providers caring for these individuals. Also, children and teens on long-term aspirin therapy (who are at risk for Reye's syndrome) and women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season should be vaccinated. It is important that household members of persons in high-risk groups receive the vaccine early, however, they are a lower priority than those in the high-risk groups.
• Persons who are not at high-risk for complications from the flu should receive their vaccine in November or later.

What if someone is allergic to eggs?

Because the vaccine is grown on egg protein, the flu vaccine is not recommended for people who have a history of severe egg allergy. However, many people who believe they are allergic to eggs tolerate the influenza vaccine. At National Jewish, these individuals are first skin tested to egg and then to the vaccine. If the testing is negative, the vaccine is given in our clinic and the individual is watched closely. For some people who are allergic to the vaccine, it can be given in split doses under close supervision. This can require several injections over many hours. This is done only when the individual is at high risk for complications of the flu.

Who should receive the pneumonia vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine can lessen the chance of pneumococcal pneumonia, a major complication of the flu. The pneumococcal vaccine, however, is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. This vaccine helps to protect a person from strains of bacterial pneumonia. It is generally recommended for many of the same high-risk persons for whom influenza vaccine is recommended. People with emphysema/COPD, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, renal failure, diabetes or Hodgkin's disease should be given the vaccine. In addition, individuals over age 65 and those who have HIV infection with no symptoms should receive the vaccine. Native Americans are also at risk. The pneumococcal vaccine is given every five to seven years. It is safe to receive both the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines at the same time.

For more information about cold and flu season talk to a nurse by calling LUNG LINE® toll-free at 1-800-222-LUNG (5864).