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