Vaccines are a cost-effective way to reduce health risks, but they are often overlooked by adults.
Many family practitioners do not check their adult patients’ immunization history on a routine basis. Hence, most patients are not urged to stay on top of their routine immunizations.
Unlike vaccines for infants and children, most adult vaccines generally aren't stocked by primary care doctors, with the exceptions of influenza and pneumonia shots, which usually are covered under preventive care. For other vaccinations, patients often must pay out of pocket until they meet a health plan's deductible, or pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
Medical experts recommend an annual flu shot and a TdaP (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) booster every 10 years for everyone over 18. Many people know that, but still don't get those shots.
There are eight other vaccines recommended for many adults, depending on age, sex, current health and whether they had or were vaccinated against certain diseases as a child. Here's a chance to get up to speed. Passport Health, the leader of travel medical services and immunizations in the U.S. carries all vaccinations from the flu shot to more exotic vaccines such as yellow fever.
Here's what's recommended by the federal government, listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
RECOMMENDED FOR MOST PEOPLE:
— Influenza, Can trigger dangerous pneumonia. One dose a year now recommended for all adults. Besides injections, a nasal spray vaccine (Flu Mist) is available for healthy adults, except pregnant women.
— Tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough (pertussis). Generally, one dose every 10 years; when vaccine status is unknown, as soon as possible for women who have just given birth and anyone caring for patients or infants.
RECOMMENDED FOR CERTAIN AGES/CONDITIONS/SITUATIONS:
— Chicken pox (varicella), Two doses from age 19 up, or a booster shot if you've had one shot. Generally not needed if you were infected with chickenpox as a child.
— Hepatitis A, Liver infection caused by contact with contaminated food, water, stool or blood. Two doses from age 19 up, mainly for: injection-drug users, men who have sex with men, patients with chronic liver disease or taking clotting-factor medicines, those traveling to or working in countries where hepatitis A is common.
— Hepatitis B, Liver infection spread mainly by sex with an infected person and sharing of contaminated implements (drug, tattoo or acupuncture needles; toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers). Three doses from age 19 up.
— Hepatitis A and B combination
— Human papilloma virus. Spread by sexual contact, it can cause vaginal, anal and mouth cancers and genital warts. Three shots needed over six months. Best before initial sexual activity. Gardasil is approved for females and males aged 9-26.
— Measles/mumps/rubella (German measles). One or two shots from 19 through 49, then a booster, for anyone born after 1956, unless they have lab tests showing immunity from prior infection or vaccination. Second dose is needed after four weeks if exposed to a measles or mumps outbreak. Rubella protection is particularly needed before pregnancy.
— Meningococcal disease. Causes bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections, which are uncommon but can Kill or disable quickly. Two-dose series recommended mainly for new college students, military recruits, people without a healthy spleen.
— Pneumococcal disease. Causes painful ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, bacterial meningitis and blood stream infections. One dose from age 65 up if immunity isn't certain, or one or two doses from age 19 through 64, then a booster dose. Mainly for smokers, nursing home residents, people with lung or heart disease, diabetes, HIV and other immune conditions, liver diseases, alcoholism, or damaged or removed spleen.
— Shingles (herpes zoster). One dose from age 60 up to prevent shingles, a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the chicken pox virus.
It's difficult to quantify how much money one might save by getting vaccines but some of these infections can bring very high medical expenses and leave people too sick to work.
For example, treatment for a yearlong outbreak of shingles pain easily exceeds $5,000, and serious complications requiring hospitalization can add another $20,000. Removal of precancerous lesions that might be prevented by the HPV shot can run well over $700, and treatment would cost far more if cancer developed.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently called new vaccines one of the top public health achievements of the last decade. It cited record lows in the number of reported cases of hepatitis A, hepatitis B and chicken pox, along with the introduction of multiple-strain pneumococcal vaccines.
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CDC schedule with detailed recommendations for who should get vaccines
Showing posts with label influenza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label influenza. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
12 health risks in Thailand
Bangkok Post- Twelve key diseases and health risks will take the lives of almost 80,000 Thais over the next year, says the Epidemiology Bureau.
In recently released disease projections for the year ahead, the bureau listed 12 diseases and health risks, including influenza, HIV/Aids, haze, and chemical accidents, which it says are areas of prime concern.
They will affect 12.5 million people, and take 78,000 lives.
The bureau believes 10,100 new cases of HIV/Aids will be reported this year, and an estimated 205,350 HIV-positive people will need access to medicines. Up to one million people are likely to catch influenza, with 300 people likely to die.
Flu vaccination, particularly among those at high risk of infection such as health workers, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases could help reduce risk of the virus, Dr Pasakorn said.
Outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever will probably increase nationwide this year, with 70,000-90,000 cases forecast particularly in cities and municipal areas in the central and southern regions.
Dr Pasakorn said 300,000-400,000 people are bitten by dogs every year, resulting in 15 to 20 deaths from rabies.
They will affect 12.5 million people, and take 78,000 lives.
The bureau believes 10,100 new cases of HIV/Aids will be reported this year, and an estimated 205,350 HIV-positive people will need access to medicines. Up to one million people are likely to catch influenza, with 300 people likely to die.
Flu vaccination, particularly among those at high risk of infection such as health workers, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases could help reduce risk of the virus, Dr Pasakorn said.
Outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever will probably increase nationwide this year, with 70,000-90,000 cases forecast particularly in cities and municipal areas in the central and southern regions.
Dr Pasakorn said 300,000-400,000 people are bitten by dogs every year, resulting in 15 to 20 deaths from rabies.
Monday, December 13, 2010
So...Did you get your flu shot?
Last week was a busy week for us here at Passport Health. It was National Influenza Vaccination Week and everyone who is 6 months of age and older is recommended to get the flu vaccine! SO, if you are reading this (and you don't have any medical reasons for not getting it) YOU should have been vaccinated!!
Even the President is urging vaccination, cause no one wants a repeat of last years awful Flu season.
Even the President is urging vaccination, cause no one wants a repeat of last years awful Flu season.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Employee Health Day
On this day of National Influenza Vaccination Week there is a focus on Employee Health!
Imagine a small office of 20-25 people running a business. In a small environment with people all working closely together, if one person gets sick, eventually EVERYONE gets sick. If 1 person in your office were to catch the Flu and spread it to others in your office, the result could be detrimental to your business. Think about the loss in productivity if several employees are out sick!
Don't risk it!
Get Vaccinated and encourage your staff and co-workers to get vaccinated too. Save time and money and a lot of tissues!
Call Passport Health to schedule a flu clinic or set up an appointment for your Flu shot.
Imagine a small office of 20-25 people running a business. In a small environment with people all working closely together, if one person gets sick, eventually EVERYONE gets sick. If 1 person in your office were to catch the Flu and spread it to others in your office, the result could be detrimental to your business. Think about the loss in productivity if several employees are out sick!
Don't risk it!
Get Vaccinated and encourage your staff and co-workers to get vaccinated too. Save time and money and a lot of tissues!
Call Passport Health to schedule a flu clinic or set up an appointment for your Flu shot.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Egg Allergy No Longer a Reason to Avoid Getting a Flu Vaccine
Along with fall comes flu season, but having an egg allergy is not a reason to avoid getting the 2010-2011 flu vaccination. According to a new paper published on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology (AAAAI) website, recent studies show that most egg allergic individuals can receive the flu vaccine safely under the care of their allergist/immunologist.
"In the past, persons with egg allergy were told not to get the influenza vaccine because the vaccine contained egg protein and could trigger an allergic reaction. Research in the past year now shows that influenza vaccines contain only tiny amounts of egg protein. Clinical studies proved that the vast majority of persons with egg allergy did not experience a reaction when immunized with the influenza vaccine," said co-author of the paper James T. Li, MD, PhD, FAAAAI.
Based on the examined research, the authors no longer recommend the practice of skin testing to the seasonal Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV), although it may be useful as an extra level of caution in cases where the patient has a documented history of a past allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Anyone with a history of suspected egg allergy should first be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist for appropriate testing and diagnosis. Patients with a confirmed egg allergy can then receive the vaccine safely using one of two protocols: as a 2-step graded challenge or as a single, age-appropriate dose.
"It is not necessary to withhold influenza vaccination from egg allergic patients. Our recommendations provide two flexible approaches to vaccination. Each approach is backed with recent evidence that it is safe," according to co-author Matthew J. Greenhawt, MD, MBA. "Most allergists should be able to identify with one of our recommended approaches, and as such should be able to vaccinate their egg allergic patients with confidence."
The authors do note that the safety of these vaccines in individuals with severe egg allergy needs to be studied further.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204414.php
"In the past, persons with egg allergy were told not to get the influenza vaccine because the vaccine contained egg protein and could trigger an allergic reaction. Research in the past year now shows that influenza vaccines contain only tiny amounts of egg protein. Clinical studies proved that the vast majority of persons with egg allergy did not experience a reaction when immunized with the influenza vaccine," said co-author of the paper James T. Li, MD, PhD, FAAAAI.
Based on the examined research, the authors no longer recommend the practice of skin testing to the seasonal Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV), although it may be useful as an extra level of caution in cases where the patient has a documented history of a past allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Anyone with a history of suspected egg allergy should first be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist for appropriate testing and diagnosis. Patients with a confirmed egg allergy can then receive the vaccine safely using one of two protocols: as a 2-step graded challenge or as a single, age-appropriate dose.
"It is not necessary to withhold influenza vaccination from egg allergic patients. Our recommendations provide two flexible approaches to vaccination. Each approach is backed with recent evidence that it is safe," according to co-author Matthew J. Greenhawt, MD, MBA. "Most allergists should be able to identify with one of our recommended approaches, and as such should be able to vaccinate their egg allergic patients with confidence."
The authors do note that the safety of these vaccines in individuals with severe egg allergy needs to be studied further.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204414.php
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thailand: Stay healthy on your trip
Getting ready for any trip takes months and weeks of research, planning and packing. While preparing all the activities, transportation, documentation and securing loose ends while you are away, don’t forget to prepare your health for the visit too! It is important to make the most of your trip by participating in all pre-planned activities rather than experiencing Thailand from the hotel bathroom or a local medical center; so be safe, vaccinate!
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Thailand and get vaccinated.
For travel to Thailand, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• Japanese Encephalitis
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test
Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Thailand that can seriously affect your health.
Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.
Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Thailand.
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Thailand and get vaccinated.
For travel to Thailand, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• Japanese Encephalitis
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test
Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Thailand that can seriously affect your health.
Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.
Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Thailand.
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.
- Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
- Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
- Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Dubai: Stay healthy on your trip
Getting ready for any trip takes months and weeks of research, planning and packing. While preparing all the activities, transportation, documentation and securing loose ends while you’re are away, don’t forget to prepare your health for the visit too! It is important to make the most of your trip by participating in all pre-planned activities rather than experiencing Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates from the hotel bathroom or a local medical center; so be safe, vaccinate!
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Dubai and get vaccinated.
For travel to Dubai, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test
Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Dubai that can seriously affect your health.
Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.
Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Dubai.
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Dubai and get vaccinated.
For travel to Dubai, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test
Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Dubai that can seriously affect your health.
Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.
Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Dubai.
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.
- Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
- Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
- Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Costa Rica: Stay Healthy on your trip!
Getting ready for any trip takes months and weeks of research, planning and packing. While preparing all the activities, transportation, documentation and securing loose ends while you’re are away, don’t forget to prepare your health for the visit too! It is important to make the most of your trip by participating in all pre-planned activities rather than experiencing Costa Rica from the hotel bathroom or a local medical center; so be safe, vaccinate!
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in India and get vaccinated.
For travel to Costa Rica, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test
Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Costa Rica that can seriously affect your health.
Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.
Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Costa Rica.
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in India and get vaccinated.
For travel to Costa Rica, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test
Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Costa Rica that can seriously affect your health.
Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.
Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Costa Rica.
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.
- Insect-Borne Diseases(Dengue Fever, Malaria): use appropriate repellents containing DEET, and prescribed Malaria medication.
- Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
- Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
- Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Brazil: Stay Healthy on vacation!
With all the stress and worry of booking flights, finding hotels, coordinating schedules, getting the proper legal documents in hand and on time, arranging time off work or school, finishing that big project, closing that final deal, finding a house sitter, dog sitter, learning important Portuguese phrases etc. it is easy to understand how busy you will be from the moment you start planning your travel to Brazil.
How would your boss feel if you couldn't close the new overseas business because you were too sick to attend the board meeting? What good would all the planning for your vacation of a lifetime be if you spent 90% of it in the hotel bathroom, missing all the sights? Don't let your best friends' pictures and stories be the only way you have to experience Brazil.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Brazil and get vaccinated.
For travel to Brazil, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can effect your trip.
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
How would your boss feel if you couldn't close the new overseas business because you were too sick to attend the board meeting? What good would all the planning for your vacation of a lifetime be if you spent 90% of it in the hotel bathroom, missing all the sights? Don't let your best friends' pictures and stories be the only way you have to experience Brazil.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Brazil and get vaccinated.
For travel to Brazil, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
- Rabies
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Yellow Fever
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can effect your trip.
- Insect-Borne Diseases(Dengue Fever, Malaria): use appropriate repellents containing DEET, and prescribed Malaria medication.
- Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
- Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
- Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Flu: Child Killer
Influenza-related deaths in children are tragic.
Nine child deaths from laboratory confirmed influenza-related complications have been officially reported to CDC so far during the 2008-09 flu season.
Vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially severe complications in children and adults.
These deaths are a somber reminder of the importance of protecting children from the flu – especially those at high risk from serious flu-related complications.
Thanks to the CDC for the video below. It was included in a previous post, but the need to show it again is so strong.
More videos : Faces of Influenza
Nine child deaths from laboratory confirmed influenza-related complications have been officially reported to CDC so far during the 2008-09 flu season.
Vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially severe complications in children and adults.
These deaths are a somber reminder of the importance of protecting children from the flu – especially those at high risk from serious flu-related complications.
Thanks to the CDC for the video below. It was included in a previous post, but the need to show it again is so strong.
More videos : Faces of Influenza
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Flu Outbreaks Increase in United States
Passport Health, the largest provider of vaccines in the United States has already conducted several flu clinics nationwide. “The reality is that several Baltimore area hospitals are reporting crowded emergency rooms,” says Jorge Eduardo Castillo, Passport Health’s spokesman. “People are complaining of flu like symptoms like headache, body aches, coughs and fever, and test results that are positive for flu have almost doubled in the period from late January to February 6 2008.” Flu season last year was relatively smooth; and a lot of that can be attributed to above average immunization rates. “After a season like we had in 2006-2007, people can become complacent and not get their shot altogether.” explains Castillo. “The fact is that flu season will continue until May in Maryland and it is not too late to get your shot. Even if the vaccine does not match the virus strains 100% it still helps, and you can always get FLU MIST, the spray version of the vaccine which is 87% effective even with viral shift.”
Because they are the largest purchasers of vaccines in the nation, Passport Health has an excellent relationship with its suppliers as well as unmatched buying power. “The only entity that buys more vaccines than Passport Health is the federal government. That says a lot about our company,” states founder and CEO Fran Lessans. With over 150 locations nationwide Passport Health is the only network of clinics that specializes in providing vaccines of all kinds. “It is not so much the quantity of doses available in the U.S. that matters. What matters is how they are distributed. Our network does that. We get the vaccines from New York to San Francisco.”
The influenza virus can have a major impact on families and businesses. Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States—a direct result of influenza. According to the CDC 36,000 Americans die yearly because of influenza. Young children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised are at greatest risk. The CDC urges those at high risk to get vaccinated, including health care workers, pregnant women, and children ages 6 months to 5 years. Also at risk are asthmatics, anyone who’s 50 or older or who has diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health conditions. Caretakers of individuals at risk should also consider the vaccine. “The CDC also recommends that those who are 65 or older be immunized against Pneumococcal pneumonia. That is the number one complication of the flu. We have plenty of both vaccines available now, including Flu Mist” said Lessans regarding the seriousness of both illnesses. A new version of Flu Mist, the nasal spray flu vaccine, was recently approved for use in children ages 2 to 5.
Because they are the largest purchasers of vaccines in the nation, Passport Health has an excellent relationship with its suppliers as well as unmatched buying power. “The only entity that buys more vaccines than Passport Health is the federal government. That says a lot about our company,” states founder and CEO Fran Lessans. With over 150 locations nationwide Passport Health is the only network of clinics that specializes in providing vaccines of all kinds. “It is not so much the quantity of doses available in the U.S. that matters. What matters is how they are distributed. Our network does that. We get the vaccines from New York to San Francisco.”
The influenza virus can have a major impact on families and businesses. Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States—a direct result of influenza. According to the CDC 36,000 Americans die yearly because of influenza. Young children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised are at greatest risk. The CDC urges those at high risk to get vaccinated, including health care workers, pregnant women, and children ages 6 months to 5 years. Also at risk are asthmatics, anyone who’s 50 or older or who has diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health conditions. Caretakers of individuals at risk should also consider the vaccine. “The CDC also recommends that those who are 65 or older be immunized against Pneumococcal pneumonia. That is the number one complication of the flu. We have plenty of both vaccines available now, including Flu Mist” said Lessans regarding the seriousness of both illnesses. A new version of Flu Mist, the nasal spray flu vaccine, was recently approved for use in children ages 2 to 5.
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