As we say in the news business, I "buried the lead." In my earlier post I forgot to share some of the most important new information on this year's flu shots:
- If you plan to get one this year, there should be plenty. The CDC expects 100 million doses from five manufacturers. (A few years ago when we suddenly fell short, there were only two manufacturers.)
- Most of the vaccine will be delivered by Oct. 31. Some doctors already have it.
- The CDC is now recommending that ALL children from 6 months to 5 years get it. (Previously, it was 6 months to 2 years.)
- Kids getting their first flu shot will need TWO doses.
- It's not too late to get immunized in December or even January. The shot takes 6 weeks to kick in, but CDC reports show the flu season often doesn't peak until February and sometimes March.
- For our "more experienced" readers (or remind your parents) -- flu shots and pneumonia shots are free through Medicare. Most people only have to get the pneumonia shot once, not every year.
And a final interesting note: the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says two-thirds of all health care workers don't get a flu shot. Experts tell me they're either too busy, they don't believe it'll work, or -- get this -- they're scared of needles!
T
1 comment:
Indeed. I hate needles, doctors and I don't trust the gub'ment. But there is the suggestion that vaccination for influenza could help protect against bird flu.
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