HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As a result of the recently announced influenza vaccine shortage across the United States, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today asked the health care community, businesses and retail stores to only administer vaccine to high-risk individuals. Dr. Johnson also asked those not included in a “vulnerable” group to delay seeking vaccination.
“With a restricted supply, healthy citizens can play an important part in protecting the health of medically vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” said Dr. Johnson. “We are asking those who are not vulnerable to wait to receive a flu shot so that that the limited supply of vaccine will be available first for those who are at highest risk from flu complications.”
The updated risk groups - those classified as “vulnerable” - from the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are:
-- all children aged 6-23 months; -- adults aged 65 years and older; -- persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions; -- all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; -- residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; -- children aged 6 months-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy; -- health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and -- out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children who are less than 6 months of age.
Dr. Johnson advises Pennsylvanians to contact their doctors if they are unsure whether they are considered at high risk for complications from the flu and to find out if their doctors have the vaccine.
Flu season usually begins in late November and continues through March. There have been no cases of the flu reported yet in Pennsylvania.
As the flu and cold season approaches, it is important to remember that following these basic steps can help prevent the spread of germs to others:
-- Wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing food, before eating and after using the restroom; -- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands to prevent spreading germs to objects like doorknobs and other household items; -- Get plenty of rest, eat properly and dress appropriately for the weather; -- Minimize time in crowded areas during the flu season, when the risk of exposure to germs increases; -- When practical, avoid contact with others if you have the flu; and -- Get immunized with the pneumococcal vaccine if over the age of 65.
The Department of Health is currently assessing the vaccine supply across the state to determine how much is available in Pennsylvania and to assist in vaccinating people who are at highest risk.
“I would like to thank those businesses, health providers and individuals who are already taking action to make sure that those most at risk receive the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Johnson. “They set an example by directing the limited supply of vaccine to those who really need it.”
If you have questions about influenza, call the Department of Health’s toll-free number at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visit http://www.health.state.pa.us/.
CONTACT: Richard McGarvey, Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
CONTACT: Richard McGarvey, Pennsylvania Department of Health,+1-717-787-1783