Health Q&A on flu vaccines

swine flu

Q: I know I might be a little early, but what do I need to know now about flu vaccination for the upcoming flu season?

A: The worldwide outbreak of H1N1 influenza ("flu") caused the medical community to look carefully at past recommendations for flu vaccine use. As a result, new guidelines are now in place for the next flu season. The goal is to make flu immunity by vaccination more universal and thereby reduce risk to the community as a whole. Following the new recommendations for vaccine use and practicing habits that reduce your risk of virus exposure can greatly decrease your chances of catching the flu in the next season.

Vaccine experts met in February at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recommended by consensus that all individuals over 6 months should get the flu vaccine for the 2010-2011 season. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices supports the advice. Both the nasal spray and injected vaccines for 2010-2011 combine coverage of the H1N1 virus with two other flu viruses that are expected to move through communities in the coming year.

As in the past, people at the highest risk of severe illness and complications from the flu definitely need to get the vaccine. The risk groups include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung disorders and people over age 65. The goal of universal protection, however, will require that as many people as possible over 6 months get vaccinated.Following the vaccine recommendation can significantly reduce risk of flu to you and your family.

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