Each year flu vaccine is constructed to protect the public from the changing, offending viruses. The vaccine is offered annually before the onset of the flu season to those who appear to be in risk categories. The pneumococcal bacterial vaccine is also suggested for those who did not receive it in earlier years.
As has been the case for all vaccines, the number of manufacturers has dwindled. Many physicians now refer to health departments to provide shots. Fears of liability and exorbitant jury awards are tied to this exodus. Flu vaccines are now manufactured by two companies: Adventis-Pasteur, a French company, and Chiron of the UK. Through state contract, local health departments ordered most of their vaccine from Chiron. Companies accept orders nine months in advance and prepare batches based on those orders.
Unexpectedly, Chiron had contamination problems and, with little warning, was unable to provide its vaccine. Their supply represents half the vaccine available in the United States. The Tampa Bay area health departments were seriously affected and have little or no supply for local at-risk residents. Adventis vaccine is available through some doctors' offices and others. Area residents are advised to check with their physicians, health department and pharmacies for help identifying the availability of vaccine. The Pasco County Health Department has no vaccine at this time.
Whatever vaccine is available is recommended for very high risk groups, and it is probable that many who should get the vaccine will not. Efforts are being made to secure additional supplies.
High risk groups who should receive the available supplies include: children 6 months to 23 months; adults 65 and older; people with underlying chronic medical conditions; women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children from 6 months to 18 years old on chronic aspirin therapy; health care workers involved in direct patient care; out-of-home caregivers; and people in contact with children younger than 6 months.
Those who should not receive the vaccine include those with severe allergy to hens' eggs and anyone who previously had onset of Guillain-Barrsyndrome during the six weeks after receiving the vaccine.
Other than having the vaccine, there are alternative actions that will reduce risk of getting the flu. Nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is a recently marketed product approved for ages 5-17 and 18-49. It is a live vaccine and has limitations as to who may receive it. It is not as yet recommended for those over 50, pregnant women, people with asthma or other airway diseases and those with immune suppression. Patients who want to know more about FluMist should consult their physician or contact the health department.
Antiviral medication may also help those suffering from the flu. It is important to see your physician at the first sign of illness.
Other public health tips to avoid illness are:
Wash hands or use alcohol hand solutions after being in public or around someone with a cold or the flu.
When coughing and sneezing, turn head and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue; dispose promptly.
Don't take those at risk into large crowds unnecessarily during flu season.
Avoid close contact (holding or kissing) anyone who has a cold or the flu.
Stay at home from work or school if you have the flu.
Don't share food, drink or utensils. Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, phone, water faucets, etc.) if someone in your house has the flu.
Do not smoke around children or the elderly.
Most people will be exposed during the flu season; hundreds of thousands will develop the disease. About 36,000 die each year. Those that are most seriously affected have other chronic underlying medical conditions. The overwhelming majority who are exposed will fully recover.
If you are at high risk, try to get vaccinated. If you are not successful, be aware that there are antiviral medications your doctor can prescribe that will lessen or shorten the severity of illness. Residents should understand that every effort is being made to protect our highest at-risk population.
-- Dr. Marc J. Yacht is director of the Pasco Health Department.
