The 2010 Influenza Season

NOTE: Companies with 30 or more participants can partner with local chain pharmacies or wellness firms to offer onsite flu shot clinics. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of the clinics or charge a copay to the participant. Contact DDI and we can set it up for you!  October clinics are already being scheduled. Click here for more information

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all individuals over 6 months receive a flu vaccine this year. This year there is only one vaccine which protects those vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza virus. (You may remember that last year there were two separate vaccinations- one for the seasonal flu and one for the H1N1 virus.)

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) was the first influenza pandemic in over 40 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) just recently declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 Influenza pandemic, but this does not necessarily mean an end to the H1N1 influenza. There is no real certainty, however it is expected that the 2009 H1N1 virus will continue to spread this year with the seasonal strains.

Individuals that fall into the high risk categories for possible flu complications are strongly encouraged to get their flu shot. The high risk categories include:

• Children younger than 5, and especially those younger than 2
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease

There are a few groups that should not get vaccinated, to name a few:

• Individuals who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• Individuals who have had a severe reaction to the influenza vaccine in the past
• Children younger than 6 months of age

Remember, the best way to protect children younger than 6 months of age is for their parents and family members to get vaccinated.

The CDC has a wealth of information on their website about this years anticipated flu season and vaccinations. In addition, they go into further detail about individuals who fall into the high risk categories for possible complications from the flu, and those who should not receive the vaccination. For more information please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.