HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Although some medical providers may not yet have a full supply of influenza vaccine, the recommendation that only high-risk individuals be vaccinated has been lifted, and any Pennsylvanian who wants a flu shot should get one, according to state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson.
Previously, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended that only individuals in the priority groups receive the flu shot until Oct. 24 when the vaccine availability situation would become clearer.
“Up until today, we had asked that only people considered high-risk receive flu vaccine, but now we’re lifting that restriction so that vaccine is available to everyone,” Dr. Johnson said. “That said, we know that vaccine is still limited in some areas, but more is being made available each week by manufacturers. People, especially those considered high-risk, should be checking on vaccine availability in their area and making arrangements to get a flu shot.
“Remember, it’s never too late to get a flu shot - the season runs from November through March, so vaccinations throughout the flu season are encouraged.”
Vaccine manufacturers are currently distributing available vaccine as it is approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, shipments are being delivered in stages, causing delivery delays for some providers who ordered the vaccine.
“Your provider may not have vaccine now, but manufacturers are telling us more is on the way,” Dr. Johnson said. “Medical providers who have extra vaccine should reach out to and share their vaccine with other providers who haven’t yet received their supplies. Our goal is to make sure everyone who wants a flu shot receives one.”
While vaccine manufacturers are not certain when entire shipments will be made, Dr. Johnson reminded people to continue to take preventative measures against the flu such as frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when coughing and staying home when sick.
However, if you do get the flu, it is important to consult with your medical provider as soon as the first symptoms appear since certain prescription drugs (antivirals) may lessen the duration and severity of influenza if taken early in the course of illness. Dr. Johnson suggested consulting a physician for further information.
For more information about influenza, visit the Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.pa.us or call the Department of Health at 1-877-PAHEALTH.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following people are considered at high-risk for the flu vaccine:
-- Persons aged 65 years and older; -- Persons aged 2 - 64 with medical conditions; -- Children aged 6 - 23 months; -- Pregnant women; -- Residents of long-term care facilities; -- Health care personnel who provide direct patient care; -- Out of home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months; and -- Evacuees aged greater than 6 months living in crowded group settings.
CONTACT: Troy Thompson, Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
CONTACT: Troy Thompson, Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783
