Alabama, Alaska, Colorado and Connecticut are just a few of the
states that have lifted restrictions on who can receive a dose of
the flu vaccine. It seems the once feared shortage of flu shots
in the United States has turned out to be a surplus.
CDC Says: Go Get Your Flu Shots!
In an effort to prevent the overabundance of doses from going to
waste, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
been encouraging more people to get a shot.
A spokesman for the CDC explains there is still plenty of reason
to get vaccinated, as it is not out of the ordinary for the flu
to peak in February and as late as March. The agency is also advising
states that have not yet lifted dose restrictions to further broaden
recommendations and start vaccinating people so doses do not go
unused. Previous recommendations had focused on giving those with
the highest risk of severe complications from the flu the vaccine
first. "High-risk" individuals included:
- Babies
- The elderly
- Pregnant women
- Chronic disease patients
CDC officials fear if doses go unused more people will catch the
flu and manufacturers, such as Chiron Corp., Aventis-Pasteur and
MedImmune, will be reluctant to make more doses for next year.
MSNBC
January 26, 2005
|