No delays in vaccine this year; flu-shot clinics start this month

General Article
October 3, 2002

By RHONDA ELLIS

Once again Fred Hutchinson's occupational-health nurses will provide influenza (flu) vaccine free to Fred Hutchinson and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance faculty, staff, and volunteers. And unlike recent years, no delays or shortages in vaccine are expected this fall.

Clinics are set this month and next. Those who cannot attend them should call 206-667-4866 to set an appointment for the vaccine. Starting Sunday, Dec. 1, Alliance staff unable to attend the clinics can obtain flu vaccine in the Alliance lab on the Alliance's first floor.

The benefits of flu shots are many, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control: reduced influenza-related respiratory illness and physician visits in all age groups, reduced hospitalizations and death among persons at high risk, reduced otitis media among children and reduced work absenteeism among adults.

The CDC expanded its recommendations to encourage flu vaccine in children from 6 to 23 months old, as well as the caretakers and household contacts of children less than six months.

So, anyone at least 6 months old and at risk for flu complications, as well as people in close contact with them (household contacts, healthcare workers), is recommended to get the vaccine.

An annual flu shot also is advised for anyone:

• 50 or older;
• living in long-term care facilities;
• with heart, kidney, lung or metabolic disease (diabetes), asthma, anemia or other blood disorder;
• with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other disease;
• in long-term treatment with drugs or steroids or cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs;
• 6 months to 18 years old on long-term aspirin treatment;
• past her third month of pregnancy during flu season;
• providing essential community services;
• at high risk for flu complications and traveling to the Southern Hemisphere between April and September or to the tropics in tour groups at any time;
• living in dormitories or other crowded conditions, and
• physicians, nurses or family in contact with people at risk for flu complications.

For more info, visit www.fhcrc.org/admin/facilities/ehs/
occupational_health/services/fluSchedule.xml.

[Rhonda Ellis is a Fred Hutchinson occupational health nurse.]

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