DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 6, 1999 DHSS-DPH28-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Cynthia Collier, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine, DPH Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH URGES PEOPLE WITH DIABETES TO GET FLU SHOTS
Diabetes combines with flu, pneumonia to increase odds of hospitalization, death
Delawareans living with diabetes can substantially reduce the risk of death or hospitalization by getting a flu shot before the flu season starts next month, said officials from the Division of Public Health (DPH).
Deaths among people with diabetes increase 5 to 15 percent during flu epidemics, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized with flu complications. Yet only half get an annual flu shot, and only a third have received a pneumococcal shot, which can help fend off pneumonia, CDC officials said.
"People with diabetes may be unaware that the disease can make their immune systems more vulnerable to severe cases of, or even death with, the flu and pneumonia," said Dr. Frank Vinicor, Director of the CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "Flu and pneumonia shots are easy, safe, preventive measures that people with diabetes can take to protect themselves."
Delaware's DPH is encouraging people with diabetes to talk to their doctors about getting vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia. Shots should be administered before flu season, which runs November through March.
DPH is offering flu shots at various sites throughout the state to qualified individuals, including people over age 60 or those with diabetes and other chronic conditions. DPH will be billing Medicare for flu shots this year, so people with Medicare Part B should bring their cards.
Christiana Care's Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) also is conducting flu shot clinics at selected Happy Harry's Discount Drugstores. VNA shots cost $13. However, VNA will handle paperwork for Medicare Part B recipients, who are entitled to free shots. For information on DPH and VNA flu shot clinic locations, dates and times, call the DPH Immunization Program at (800) 282-8672.
"Many people with diabetes don't get vaccinated, because they don't realize they're at an additional risk. Others avoid the shots because they mistakenly believe vaccinations can make them sick," said Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, Director of Delaware's Division of Public Health. "But in reality, this is an important and easy way to avoid serious illness."
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
