For Immediate Release
December 10, 2003

Contact: Howard Sutter
(714) 834-2178

Targeted Use of Influenza Vaccine Urged

(Santa Ana) – Orange County Public Health officials recommend that individuals at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu be given priority for the remaining supply of injectable influenza vaccine for the 2003-04 flu season.

“Higher than expected demand for flu shots has made it necessary for us to take this precaution,” said County Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton. “We want to make sure there is vaccine available for those who could be hardest hit by influenza and could face hospitalization from its complications.”

Those in the high-risk groups include:

• Persons 50 years and older.

• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

• Persons six months of age and older who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma.

• Persons six months of age and older who need regular medical care or have been hospitalized because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.

• Children six months through 23 months of age.

• Children and teenagers six months to 18 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy and therefore could develop Reye syndrome after the flu.

• Women who will be more than three months pregnant during the flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also recommending flu shots for health care workers and those who live with or provide care for people in high-risk groups. While it is more costly than a flu shot, an intranasal influenza vaccine that may be appropriate for certain otherwise healthy individuals who are at low risk of influenza complications is available from private physicians and other health care providers.

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