HEALTH DEPT. WILL NOT BE OFFERING FLU SHOTS TO ADULTS

The Mississippi County Health Department ordered 2000 doses of flu vaccine to administer to the adult population for the 2004-2005 influenza season. Chiron Corporation, the manufacturer of the vaccine, notified the health department that their company license has been suspended therefore they cannot supply the influenza vaccine to any health care provider for the 2004-2005 influenza season. This will be the first year since 1976 that the health department will not administer any vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control has the following guidelines for who should get a flu vaccination:

• People 50 and older
• Children 6 to 23 months
• Women pregnant during flu season
• Health care providers who can spread flu to those at risk
• People with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma
• People with weakened immune systems
• People hospitalized during the previous year with diabetes or chronic kidney disease
• Children 2 to 18 years old on long-term aspirin therapy

The CDC is considering revising these guidelines due to the shortage of supply announced Tuesday, October 5. The health department strongly suggests residents who are at high risk to contact their health care provider for information on how to obtain a flu shot. The health department did receive 60 doses of pediatric influenza vaccine and will start administering it.

Chiron Corporation is one of two manufacturers that supplies half of the nation's influenza vaccine. This suspension not only affects the Mississippi County Health Department, but other health care providers in our community. For more information, please contact the health department at 683-2191.