| Although flu vaccinations are most heavily promoted in the fall, public health officials say it’s not too late to get a vaccine. The flu season in Washington state doesn’t peak until January or later (sometimes as late as March). While officials strongly encourage vaccination for vulnerable populations such as young children, adults over age 50 and those with chronic illnesses, everyone can greatly benefit, according to Michele Roberts, health promotion manager for the state Department of Health’s Immunization Program.
Flu is not a reportable disease but the health department monitors flu activity based on public school reports and activity at “surveillance” sites. Roberts says so far this year there has been minimal activity in the state as well as nationwide.
“We seem to be on track for having an average (flu year),” she says. “It’s never too late to get a flu vaccine, even in the spring or summer, especially if you’re traveling.”
Although each year’s vaccine includes only certain strains out of the hundreds of possible ones, Roberts says health officials are able to make very good “educated guesses” on which strains are likely to circulate. “This year’s flu cases seem to match the vaccine,” she says, adding that even if a vaccine is not a perfect match for a strain, it still provides protection by helping reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Where several years ago consumers experienced a shortage of vaccines, more doses are being made available now. The government has been increasing the availability every year, with the eventual goal to make flu vaccinations a “universal” recommendation for everyone.
“Flu can be much more than a nuisance. It kills thousands of people across the country every year,” Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a press release. “Flu shots are one easy way to stay healthy this time of year. It’s especially important that young children, people over 50 and those with chronic medical conditions get vaccinated.”
Roberts says there is documented evidence showing businesses that encourage flu vaccinations, make them available on site, or even pay for them save on costs associated with absenteeism and health-care issues. “There is plenty of time left (to get it done),” she says.
It takes a couple of weeks for the human system to build anti-bodies after vaccination. The main population category that should not be vaccinated is persons who have egg allergies. Roberts suggest for people who are not sure to ask their physician, who can ask screening questions.
For more information about influenza, and where to get vaccinated, visit www.doh.wa.gov.
|
