By Frank D. Roylance and Kelly Brewington , frank.roylance@baltsun.com|September 25, 2008
Federal health officials are urging that more Americans than ever before get flu shots, including, for the first time, children age 6 months through 18 years.
Experts say they are also concerned about adults over 50. While two-thirds of those over age 65 were vaccinated against the flu last year, only 36 percent of those between 50 and 64 were immunized. Experts urged health care providers to get their patients vaccinated.
"The message is not getting out to those in the 50-plus category," said Dr. Cora L. Christian, a member of the AARP board of directors, who spoke yesterday on a panel sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. "Many myths exist about influenza vaccination, but the evidence is clear - vaccines, regardless of age, offer the best method to prevent disease."
Local health authorities say they are ready, and most public vaccination clinics will launch their fall schedules in October, with some beginning Oct. 1.
"We're flush with vaccine. We got our supplies the earliest ever," said Dr. Anne Bailowitz, chief of the Baltimore City Bureau of Child Health and Immunization.
The recommendation for flu vaccinations for all children ages 6 months through 18 years - except those with a serious egg allergy - adds roughly 30 million children to the list of those who should be vaccinated. Last year, the recommendation was for all children ages 6 months to 5 years.
School-age children have the highest rate of flu infection. Nevertheless, last year only 21 percent of children were vaccinated against the disease, said Julie L. Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Getting vaccinated early is important for children ages 9 and younger, who need two doses of the vaccine if they are receiving it for the first time, said Daniel B. Jernigan, deputy director of the CDC's influenza division.
"The time to get vaccinated is now," he said.
Officials also urged shots for pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people 50 and older, health care workers and caregivers. All together, the CDC is recommending vaccines for about 261 million people, or nearly 85 percent of Americans.
Complications from seasonal influenza kill an average 36,000 Americans each year and send 200,000 to the hospital. The season typically lasts from December through March, peaking in January and February. But it's not too early to be immunized, officials said. A vaccination in October will provide immunity within two to three weeks and last throughout the flu season.
