DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 5, 2004 DHSS-99-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PUBLIC HEALTH WORKS TO OBTAIN FLU VACCINE
More Than 3,400 Doses Available for Disadvantaged Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that the Chiron Corporation, the manufacturer assigned to provide Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) with flu vaccine, will not have vaccine available. DPH is on a waiting list for flu vaccine from independent distributors and is working with local health organizations and the CDC to obtain additional quantities. DPH has suspended its schedule of public flu clinics and encourages residents to seek vaccine through private physicians. No cases of influenza have been identified in Delaware this year.
DPH has 3,400 doses of flu vaccine in stock for the Vaccines for Children program, a federal program that provides free vaccinations for children under age 18 that are uninsured, underinsured, eligible for Medicaid or are American Indian or Alaska Native. These vaccine units cannot be diverted to other individuals.
Public Health is contacting vaccine distributors and hospitals to determine if doses can be purchased to provide to individuals identified by the CDC to be at increased risk for flu complications. DPH is also working with the Medical Society of Delaware to determine criteria for priority vaccination, should a limited supply of vaccine become available.
DPH distributed more than 31,300 doses of flu vaccine to Delawareans during the 2003-2004 flu season. Like other state health agencies, DPH orders vaccines through the CDC, which negotiates reduced prices. The CDC assigned DPH's vaccine order of 30,000 doses to Chiron.
In a typical year, 70-75 million Americans receive a flu shot, according to the CDC. Manufacturers produced nearly 83 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2003-2004 flu season. Aventis, the only other flu vaccine manufacturer, produced 52 million doses this year.
DPH recommends residents take the following steps to prevent viral illnesses 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 to assure that they use soap and water thoroughly.
- Stay home if you are sick, to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Consult your physician if you are ill and ask about additional interventions such as anti-viral medications.
- Go to www.lungusa.org to locate sources of flu vaccinations.
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.
