Contacts: Madison Public Health, Dr. Kathryn Vedder 266-4821

Flu Vaccine Readily Available For Healthy People In Priority Groups

MADISON, WI- Thanks to the cooperation of several local health care organizations that shared surplus influenza vaccine, a majority of Dane County nursing home residents have already received flu shots. "This is wonderful news that our vulnerable elderly population is now protected from the flu this season," said Dr. Kathryn Vedder, Madison Public Health Department Director. "But more work needs to be done, we’ve seen a significant slow down in the number of people in priority groups seeking the flu vaccine."

Healthy seniors over the age of 65, healthy people diagnosed with chronic disease, pregnant women and healthy children 6-23 months old are encouraged to get a flu shot now, before the flu season starts. "It’s important that we get the word out that there is NOT a shortage of vaccine for those who fall into priority groups," said Gareth Johnson, Dane County Division of Public Health Administrator. "There is plenty of vaccine to go around for those who could be at high-risk for serious illness due to or following flu infection. Those people in the priority groups should get a flu shot as soon as possible."

Others included in the priority categories include:

• People living in nursing homes and long term care facilities
• Children 6 months through 18 years on long term aspirin therapy
• Health care workers providing direct care to patients
• Parents and out-of-home care providers for children in high risk categories, including children under 6 months of age, who are not able to be immunized against flu.

St. Marys and Meriter Hospitals are also giving flu shots to all women after they deliver their babies in order to protect the newborns from the virus. The influenza season is starting slowly but it is still too early to tell how severe the outbreak will be. Wisconsin has only had sporadic reports of the flu so far. "Because it’s impossible to predict how bad the flu season could be and when it will begin, it’s imperative those in priority groups seek a flu shot," added Dr. Vedder.