Flu & Pneumococcal Prevention

Recommendations to Reduce Influenza in the United States

The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to reduce influenza in the U.S.

Please view the letter from Dr. Nancy Cox, Director of CDC's Influenza Division, and Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.  Recent U.S. surveillance reports indicate that influenza activity is on the rise.  This letter describes CDC's recommendation for a three-pronged approach to reduce the substantial burden of influenza on the U.S.  The three-pronged approach consists of:

1. Increasing the number of people vaccinated against influenza
2. Appropriate use of influenza antiviral agents
3. Promoting respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

"Take 3" against flu this season letter [PDF 51 KB]

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Top 3 Reasons to Get Your Flu Vaccine

1. Prevents influenza-related death.
   Each year, over 36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu—most are 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease.
2. Prevents severe illness.
   In the U.S., influenza puts about 200,000 people in the hospital each year. Children younger than two years old are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older.
3. Protects other people.
   You should get vaccinated if you live with or care for others who are at high risk of complications from the flu. Getting a flu vaccination yourself can help protect your family members, including seniors and young children.

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Pediatric Flu Prevention Resource and Influenza Vaccine Recommendation

October 2, 2007 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) resource update, “Preventing the Flu in 2007-2008: Strategies and Resources for Child Care Providers and Out-of-Home Caregivers of Children.” (Pediatric Flu Prevention)

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FDA Approves Afluria®, a New Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

October 2, 2007 -- September 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release announcing licensing of Afluria® (manufactured by CSL Limited), an inactivated influenza virus vaccine. (FDA Approves Afluria®)

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2007 Influenza Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2007 in the Recommendations and Reports, Volume 56, No. RR-5 on July 13, 2007. (2007 Flu Recommendations)

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2007-2008 Influenza Vaccine Information Statements

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explain to adult vaccine recipients and the parents or legal representatives of vaccine recipients who are children and adolescents, both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Federal law requires that VISs be handed out whenever certain vaccinations are given (before each dose). (2007-2008 Flu VIS)