2008-2009 Flu ArchiveThe Florida Department of Health Encourages Floridians to Practice Good Hygiene During Peak Flu SeasonMarch 2, 2009 -- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) encourages Floridians to practice good hygiene as influenza (flu) activity in Florida increases, which is typical for this time of year. In Florida, the disease usually peaks in late January or February and continues through March. In the United States, influenza results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Annually, over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from the flu, and most of these are 65 years of age or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease. “Floridians must remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their loved ones against the flu, especially populations who are more susceptible to the disease,” said State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H. “Good health practices, such as staying home when ill, washing hands and covering a cough, are so important in keeping family, friends and coworkers healthy.” Individuals can reduce their chance of contracting or spreading respiratory infections by:
It is not too late to get a flu shot this season. Parents and caregivers can contribute to the safety and well-being of children by having them immunized. It is also important that adults, parents, and grandparents who are in close contact with young children be immunized, as well. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for the following groups:
In addition, immunization with the vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae – the pneumonia vaccine – can help prevent complications of influenza in those who are candidates for this vaccine. Consult your doctor to determine if either or both of these vaccinations is an option for you. Individuals with influenza-like symptoms should contact a primary care physician for advice about management of their illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues Interim Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Antiviral MedicationsDecember 22, 2008 -- The Bureau of Immunization is providing this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Advisory as an update regarding antiviral resistance among circulating flu viruses in the United States during the 2008-2009 flu season. This information has been provided previously to County Health Department directors only.Although influenza activity is low in the United States to date, preliminary data from a limited number of states indicate that the prevalence of influenza A (H1N1) virus strains resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir is high. Therefore, the CDC is issuing interim recommendations for antiviral treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza during the 2008-09 influenza season. When influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or exposure is suspected, zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine are more appropriate options than oseltamivir alone. Local influenza surveillance data and laboratory testing can help with physician decision-making regarding the choice of antiviral agents for their patients. The 2008-09 influenza vaccine is expected to be effective in preventing or reducing the severity of illness with currently circulating influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) virus strains. Since influenza activity remains low and is expected to increase in the weeks and months to come, CDC recommends that influenza vaccination efforts continue. The CDC has also prepared additional information about influenza antiviral resistance issues, which may be of benefit when responding to inquiries about this topic. Be reminded that the most effective way to prevent morbidity and mortality due to influenza virus infection is to be vaccinated. National Influenza Vaccination WeekDecember 8 - December 14, 2008The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as to foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December, and beyond. (NIVW) The Florida Department Of Health Encourages Floridians To Get Ready For Flu Season
October 10, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes fall as the historical beginning of influenza (flu) season and urges Floridians who have not already done so to get their flu shots today. In Florida, the disease usually peaks in late January or February and continues through March. It is important to start vaccinating early and to continue flu vaccination throughout the winter months and beyond. In the United States, influenza results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Annually, over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from the flu, and most are 65 years of age or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease. "Floridians still die from diseases that are easily prevented by safe and effective vaccines," said Charles Alexander, Chief of the DOH Bureau of Immunization. "Children, adolescents and adults should be screened for recommended vaccines at every medical visit." Parents and caregivers can contribute to the safety and well-being of children by having them immunized. It is also important that adults, parents and grandparents who are in close contact with young children be immunized as well. Each year, over 20,000 children under five years of age are hospitalized from influenza. Children under two years of age are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older. Top 3 reasons to get flu vaccine:
Flu vaccine shipments are arriving in providers offices, and now is the time to arrange for your annual flu vaccination. The influenza vaccine is readily available this year, and all able individuals are encouraged to receive the vaccine. DOH also reminds all adults and adolescents that safe and effective vaccines are available to protect them against other potentially life-threatening diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, shingles, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. For more information on immunization and flu vaccination, visit the DOH website at www.immunizeflorida.org/flu/index.htm and www.immunizeflorida.org/flu/flu_locator.htm. For flu vaccine locations, contact a health care provider, a local county health department, or visit the American Lung Association's website at http://flucliniclocator.org/. Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2008August 29, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2008 in the August 8 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Recommendations and Reports. This report updates the 2007 recommendations by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of influenza vaccine and antiviral agents (CDC. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 2007; 56[No. RR-6]). The 2008 recommendations include new and updated information. Principal updates and changes include:
These recommendations also include a summary of safety data for U.S. licensed influenza vaccines. This report and other information are available at CDC's influenza website, including any updates or supplements to these recommendations that might be required during the 2008-2009 influenza season. The Recommendations can be accessed online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5707a1.htm. Influenza Vaccine Information Statements for the 2008-2009 SeasonThe CDC released a new Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and a new VIS for the live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
Please note: The bureau is not planning to print and stock the influenza VIS statements in the Distribution Center at this time. This decision is in light of current budget restraints, the ability of providers to print the quantity they need, and the low utilization of those stocked and subsequently destroyed in the Distribution Center each year. 2008 Florida Vote & Vax CampaignJuly 30, 2008 -- The Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the 2008 Vote & Vax adult flu and pneumococcal immunization campaign. Vote & Vax efforts are held in conjunction with general elections. (Vote and Vaccinate) |
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