DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 5, 2003 DHSS-127-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Karryl McManus, Deputy Secretary (302) 255-9047, Pager (302) 247-2116 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH MONITORING INFLUENZA VACCINE INVENTORY
Remaining Doses Recommended for High Risk Groups
Each year Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) conducts community influenza vaccination clinics during flu season, which typically occurs between late October and March. DPH, in cooperation with the Delaware Adult Influenza Coalition, provided 30,000 doses of flu vaccine at 135 clinics offered statewide from Oct. 15 - Nov. 25.
Because of strong community participation at these clinics, DPH will have used its supply of 30,000 doses by early next week. Because of the amount of time involved in producing vaccine, manufacturers will not be able to provide additional doses until next year. In addition, outbreaks of influenza occurred early this year, prompting individuals to seek vaccination at higher rates than before.
DPH is canvassing Delaware for in-state supplies of vaccine to be provided to individuals who meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for increased risk. DPH is working with health care providers to identify existing vaccine inventories and provide guidance on populations at greatest risk for influenza.
In a typical year, 70-75 million Americans receive a flu shot, according to the CDC. Manufacturers produced approximately 83 million doses of flu vaccine this year. The United States has never used more than 80 million doses of flu vaccine in a season, CDC said.
Influenza - "the flu" - is a virus that causes respiratory illness and sickens thousands of people each year. An influenza patient may experience fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, and a sore throat, cough and nasal congestion. Occasionally, intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are present. This can lead to up to five days of missed work and, for severe cases, hospitalization.
Ten Delaware residents from all three counties were confirmed to have influenza this season. None were hospitalized. This early occurrence of illness, more than two months ahead of last year, happens periodically and is not in itself a cause for concern.
"There is no way to predict if the number of flu cases will continue to increase, so we will continue to monitor influenza statewide and work with health care providers," said Maureen Dempsey, M.D., DPH director.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies the following as individuals at increase risk who should receive an annual flu vaccination.
- People older than age 50
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,
- Adults with chronic illness or compromised immune systems, and children older than six months,
- Adults and children who have required regular medical care in the past year,
- Women who will be in the second or third month of pregnancy during the flu season, and
- People who can transmit influenza to those at risk (such as health care workers, household contacts, employees of assisted living, etc.)
- Children aged six to 23 months are encouraged to be immunized whenever possible.
These individuals are at high risk because they have reduced immunity or, for other medical reasons, could experience more severe illness from influenza. People 65 years and older are particularly vulnerable to the complications of influenza infection, including pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus and ear infections. The flu can also worsen pre-existing chronic health problems such as diabetes.
DPH recommends residents take the following steps to prevent influenza and relieve symptoms should they occur:
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently and carefully with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Be sure to clean under fingernails.
- Supervise children when washing hands at home and at childcare to assure that they use soap and water thoroughly.
- Get a flu vaccination if you are part of a risk group listed above.
- Stay home if you are sick, to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Consult your physician if you are ill and inquire about availability of additional interventions such as anti-viral medications, which can prevent and treat influenza.
For more information about the flu, call DPH's immunization hotline at 1-800-282-8672 or visit www.state.de.us/dhss/dph/dpc/immunize-flu.html.
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.
