Planning Ahead For Flu Season Ensures Adequate Flu Vaccine Supply

By Author: TWM Cowan
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For the general public, fighting seasonal flu begins with getting a flu shot, but for healthcare providers, step one is securing an adequate supply of flu vaccine.

For the general public, fighting seasonal flu begins with getting a flu shot, but for healthcare providers, step one is securing an adequate supply of flu vaccine. Part of the problem is that flu is very unpredictable; the 2012/13 flu season for example started late and is lingering much longer, with major outbreaks still being reported across the country. Public health officials have been urging the general public to get vaccinated – even a late season vaccination can provide protection against flu-related complications. For some, this has been a problem as doctor’s offices and pharmacies began reporting dwindling supplies of flu vaccine.

Why flu vaccine supply matters.

Flu season typically lasts from October through January, but this year severe outbreaks have been reported well into February. As of February 4, 2013, the California Department of Public Health is reporting 14 flu-related deaths. According to recent reports by the U.S. ...
... Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45 children have died nationwide. The CDC is also reporting record flu rates and deaths among seniors (older than 65 years of age). Health officials confirm that the 2012/13 flu season may be one of the most severe in over a decade.

Even though most people are aware of the need for an annual flu vaccine, many still avoid getting vaccinated, thinking the flu is “no big deal.” What many may not realize is that flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications like pneumonia; even very healthy people who rarely get sick can succumb to the flu virus and become seriously ill. That’s why it’s so important for healthcare providers to order adequate supplies of flu vaccine early in the season.

Overcoming the myths about flu vaccine.

With flu season going strong, health experts agree that getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Public health experts have long spread the message about the safety and effectiveness of the flu vaccine. While it is true that in past flu seasons, there has been confusion about who should get a flu shot. Not anymore. Expanded flu vaccination guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge everyone ages six months and older to get a flu vaccine. The reason is simple: Flu vaccine saves lives.

People 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, young children, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic lung disease, neurological problems, or individuals with a compromised immune system are all at high-risk for catching the flu and are strongly encouraged to schedule an annual flu vaccine. A high-dose flu vaccine formulated for those aged 65 and older is also available for the upcoming flu season.

Each year the flu kills more people than all vaccine-preventable diseases combined. The easiest and most effective way to combat that statistic is to get vaccinated. Doing so can protect you, your loved ones, and your entire community from the flu. Call your healthcare provider and schedule your flu vaccine today.
Resource: http://www.fffenterprises.com/Products/InfluenzaVaccine.aspx