Flu Vaccination: Will This Year Be Better?

Last year the aches and pains associated with the flu were coupled with concerns about vaccine shortages, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this year should be less painful.

According to the CDC's Flu Bulletin, Number 4 (available at www.cdc.gov/nip/flu), 77.1 million doses of influenza vaccine are expected to be distributed in 2001, based on manufacturers' projections. This is more than the amount distributed in 2000 and comparable to 1999. More than 49 million doses are expected to be available for delivery by the end of October, with 27.3 million additional doses ready in November and December. Delays are not expected to be as great as last year, but officials at the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) note that these projections might change.

The government has recommendations for administering the vaccine in long-term care facilities; according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), "Vaccination should be routinely provided to all residents of chronic-care facilities with the concurrence of attending physicians. Consent for vaccination should be obtained from the resident or a family member at the time of admission to the facility or anytime afterwards. All residents should be vaccinated at one time, preceding the influenza season. Residents admitted during the winter months after completion of the vaccination program should be vaccinated at the time of admission." See also the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.