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For the first time, a group of vaccine experts will look
into the possibility of recommending annual flu vaccinations.
Annual vaccinations are highly recommended particularly for
the 185 million health workers who are considered high risk
of death from the flu.
An annual flu vaccination would offer many potential benefits,
according to these ‘experts,’ including better overall
vaccination rates and an increase in vaccination supplies,
which would prepare the public health system in the event
of a flu epidemic.
The 2003-04 flu season hit hard resulting in overcrowded
emergency rooms and frightened people running out to get a
flu vaccination. This panic led to a shortage of vaccinations.
The shortage however did not include FluMist, a new form
of flu vaccination made from a live weakened flu virus, because
it didn’t receive a positive response from the public.
Reports indicted this vaccination might have lacked popularity
because of its high cost, inconvenient storage requirements
and the fear the live vaccine might be passed on to people
with weakened immune systems.
Flu vaccinations are already recommended for:
- Children 6 months to 24 months old
- Adults ages 65 and older
- Pregnant women in their second or third trimester during
flu season
- Children ages 2 and older with chronic illnesses
USA
Today February 24, 2004
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