Flu season is here once again and flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older in the United States.<\/p>\n
Each year thousands of persons are hospitalized with influenza, and many deaths occur from this disease.<\/p>\n
Flu vaccine is now available at many physicians\u2019 offices, public health clinics and local pharmacies.<\/p>\n
There are several types of injectable vaccines available for this year and a nasal spray vaccine for those in the age group 2-49 years.\u00a0 The composition of this year\u2019s vaccine is expected to be much more effective against the prevalent strains of influenza virus, than the 2014-15 vaccines which did not include the most prevalent virus types for that season.<\/p>\n
Although no vaccine shortage is expected, there are certain groups of patients that should get first priority if a supply problem occurs.<\/p>\n
Who Should be Prioritized for Flu Vaccination During a Vaccine Shortage<\/strong><\/p>\n When vaccine supply is limited, vaccination efforts should focus on delivering vaccination to the following people (no hierarchy is implied by order of listing):<\/p>\n Most counties in California have mandatory flu vaccine or mask requirements for health care workers.<\/p>\n Flu vaccine administration for children less than 9 years of is a little different, in that children from 6 months to 3 years of age get a half-dose of vaccine, and children less than 9 years old who have not received 2 doses of flu vaccine prior to July 1, 2015 need to receive 2 doses of vaccine this season, separated by at least 28 days.<\/p>\n For persons with severe egg allergies, recombinant flu vaccine is available or regular flu vaccine can be used if the physician is experienced in treating severe allergic conditions.<\/p>\n\n