January 22, 2010

Seasonal flu shots

Availability

• We no longer expect to receive any seasonal flu vaccine for 2009-2010. We have been informed, finally, that our "pre-order" was cancelled.
• Once again there is a nationwide distribution problem with the seasonal flu vaccine, although some practices (and, interestingly, "big box" pharmacies) received early, large shipments. Reports are that shortages are in part due to focus on H1N1 vaccine production, and that is likely at least part of the explanation.
• "Big box" pharmacies continue to occasionally advertise seasonal flu shots for 24.99. Check with your insurance regarding coverage. It certainly would be fine to get it done there.
• We will continue to monitor for available seasonal vaccine and update via this website and email should it become available.

Who should get the seasonal flu vaccine?

• Babies, children, and teens age 6 months up to 19 years

• Pregnant women

• Adults 50 years old or older

• Those with

  • chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, kidney or lung disease

  • weakened immune system such as from medications or HIV infection

• Residents of a nursing home or other long term care facility

• Child care workers or health care workers or those who live with or care for someone at high risk of complications from the flu

H1N1 (“Swine”) flu

Availability

• H1N1 vaccination is organized by the New York State Department of Health and county health departments.
• We'd been approved for multi-dose vials for vaccine injection, and I am expecting receipt in the next 1-2 weeks
  
• We do currently have limited supplies of the intranasal H1N1 vaccine. Visit the CDC website for more information about this vaccine which is generally recommended for healthy individuals between the ages of 2-49 who are not pregnant. Q&A regarding the intranasal vaccine can be obtained here.

• People younger than 2 years of age;
• Pregnant women;
• People 50 years of age and older;
• People with a medical condition that places them at higher risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system;
• Children younger than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing;
• Children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy;
• People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder of the nervous system, within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine,
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.

In general, the best option if you do get the flu is rest, hydration, and calming of fever and pain with acetaminophen (tylenol) and/or ibuprofen or naproxyn (motrin/advil or alleve).

Please get a mask of some sort ("surgical mask") for the affected individual if they are exposing others, or should they require evaluation at a medical facility.

There are some instances when you may need evaluation at an emergency room. If you or someone in your care has some of these signs or symptoms, call Dr. Ryan or go to the emergency room.

Warning signs in children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Do you have the flu?

• Check out this self-assessment from the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flu-symptoms/FU00013

• Additional information from the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/DS00081