Flu vaccine supplies now are plentiful

It's not too late to get your shot

By Michele Dula Baum
CNN.com Health Writer

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Even though this year's influenza season appears to be slow getting started, health authorities are urging people to get immunized.

"It's a busy season of the year," Dr. Martin Myers, director of the National Vaccine Program office, said Friday. "A lot of people are mixing in airports and traveling about."

Such activity provides ample "opportunity to contact the flu and spread the flu," he added.

So far, only Texas has reported widespread infection, according to Dr. Keiji Fukuda, chief of the influenza epidemiology section at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Six other states -- Arkansas, Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Colorado -- have reported regional outbreaks.

"Overall, we'd characterize the flu activity as being low to moderate," Fukuda said. "But there are some hot spots."

In late October, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher and other health authorities encouraged people at low risk for the disease to wait until December to seek flu immunizations because of delayed supplies.

Manufacturing problems delayed shipment of vaccine, but authorities still expect that some 75 million doses will ultimately be distributed. Shipment delays have been solved and supplies are now plentiful, Myers noted.

James Singleton, acting chief of the CDC's adult vaccine and preventable diseases branch, said there are some 5 million doses currently available. As of December 18, an estimated 62 million doses had been shipped by manufacturers.

But -- in part due to shipping delays -- only 48 million doses had been injected as of the end of November, he noted, adding that "People waiting can now get their flu shots."

Those at high risk for the disease should especially seek immunization, said Fukuda. Those at high risk include people over the age of 65 and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and kidney failure. In addition, people whose immune systems have been compromised by HIV infection or chemotherapy should also be immunized.

Very young children also are considered at high risk for the flu. This year, federal authorities are recommending the vaccine for anyone older than 50, said Fukuda. Doctors say a flu shot can take up to two weeks after vaccination to become fully effective.

Even so, "it clearly is not too late" to get immunized, Fukuda continued.

Every year, some 110,000 Americans are hospitalized due to complications from influenza. An estimated 20,000 die.

"The major way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get an annual flu shot," said Myers. Yet in a typical year, half the high-risk population neglects this duty.

"We're worried that this year, with all the discussion and delay, many high-risk patients may have delayed" getting a shot, he added. "It's very important now to obtain them."

An estimated 14,000 specimens have been tested so far this season, with 2 percent testing positive for influenza, explained Fukuda. Three-quarters have tested as influenza A, he said. The remainder represents influenza B. The A strain predominates in the South and Southwest, while the B strain is more active in the Pacific region.

Last year at this time, 19 states had reported flu, the epidemiologist said.

While specific predictions of flu season virulence are difficult, Satcher noted in October that experience is some guide. Fourteen of the past 18 flu seasons have not peaked until January.

"We encourage health care providers to make a New Year's resolution to vaccinate more patients -- through January, and even into February," Singleton said.

Myers added: "We don't want it sitting on the shelf when it could be preventing influenza."

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
FluNet: Global Influenza Surveillance Network
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
American Lung Association flu information

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