DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 9, 2003 DHSS-129-2003 |
| 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 OBTAINS 3,500 DOSES OF FLU VACCINE FROM BEEBE MEDICAL CENTER
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) obtained 3,500 doses of flu vaccine today from Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del. The additional vaccine will allow DPH to extend its flu vaccination schedule into next week to meet public demand. The additional vaccine will be divided between clinics in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties.
Due to changes in Beebe's distribution network, a surplus of vaccine occurred. DPH had several hundred doses of vaccine remaining when state officials learned of Beebe's inventory. 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. Clinics held last week at State Service Centers provided 20-40 vaccinations per day.
"We were successful in our efforts to identify health care providers with remaining doses of vaccine and, in doing so have created this opportunity to assure that residents in risk groups are protected," said Maureen E. Dempsey, M.D., DPH director.
DPH will provide the additional vaccine to residents who are included in the following at-risk groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These individuals should contact their local State Service Center clinic for dates.
- 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.
Individuals not included in these groups should contact their physician for flu vaccine.
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.
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.
Nineteen 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.
For an updated flu clinic schedule, call DPH's immunization hotline at 1-800-282-8672. For information about FluMist vaccine, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/laiv.htm.
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.
