Influenza
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Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. (Centers for Disease Control)
If you have symptoms of flu and are worried about your illness contact your health care provider. Certain people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications (including young children, elderly persons, pregnant women and people with certain long-term medical conditions). (A full list of people at higher risk of flu related complications is available at People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.) The Immunization Program at the Loup Basin Public Health Department works to reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases. |
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From the CDC:
Influenza Vaccination for Pregnant Women
Pregnant and postpartum women are at higher risk for severe illness and complications from influenza than women who are not pregnant because of changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to protect infants from influenza, including infants aged <6 months, for whom no influenza vaccines are currently licensed. The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that all women who are pregnant or who might be pregnant in the upcoming influenza season receive a flu shot because of this increased risk for serious illness and complications from influenza. Influenza vaccination can be administered at any time during pregnancy, before and during the influenza season.
Influenza Vaccination of Persons With a History of Egg allergy
Severe allergic and anaphylactic reactions can occur in response to several influenza vaccine components, but such reactions are rare. Flublok is egg-free. It should be noted, however, that neither Flucelvax nor Flublok are licensed for children aged <18 years.
Vaccine Dose Considerations for Children Aged 6 Months Through 8 Years
Evidence from several studies indicates that children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of influenza vaccine (administered a minimum of 4 weeks apart) during their first season of vaccination to optimize immune response. Several studies have indicated that the time interval between two initial doses (from 4 weeks up to 1 year) of the same antigen may not be critical.
For more information visit. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
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Program Manager: Bailey Trofholz | 308-346-3009 | btrofholz@lbphd.ne.gov |