[ HEALTH WATCH ]
Agency adds to Children ages 6 months to 2 years and those of any age on long-term aspirin therapy have been added to the federal list of high-risk people who should have flu shots.
high-risk list for flu
By Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.com
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has lowered the age to 50 from 65 for people encouraged to get influenza vaccinations.
Flu shots are being recommended for infants and children because CDC studies have shown they may be hospitalized with the virus as often as older adults, said Malama Markowitz, state Health Department immunization program manager.
She said shots are not recommended for babies under 6 months because they are not effective.
Children up to age 9 receiving their first inoculation should have two doses one month apart because the initial shot is not protective enough, according to CDC, but only one shot will be needed in the future.
Judy Strait-Jones, Hawaii Immunization Program project director, said influenza infection rates are highest among children, but older adults and those with other medical conditions have the highest rates of serious illness and death.
Besides older people and children, the high-risk group includes anyone with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disorders, including asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or weak immune systems; residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; caregivers; and women who will be more than three months pregnant during flu season.
While flu shots are being urged for children from 6 months to age 2, Strait-Jones said they will not be included until next year in the federal program that provides free childhood vaccines to the needy.
She pointed out that influenza epidemics generally occur during winter months and cause an average of about 20,000 deaths a year in the United States.
Influenza viruses also can cause pandemics during which illness and death rates from influenza-related complications can increase dramatically worldwide, she said.
Vaccinations for flu and pneumonia will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today through Sunday during the Hawaii Seniors' Fair: The Good Life Expo at the Blaisdell Arena. Admission is free.
Shots will be free for those who have no insurance or have Medicare Part B, Strait-Jones said.
Dr. Walter Orenstein, CDC vaccine specialist, said it takes only two weeks after vaccination to gain full protection.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
