Flu vaccinations not scarce, but explect delays
Everyone gets it – the runny nose, coughing and fever that are commonly associated with the flu.
Medical science has found a way to avoid the virus during the season by receiving a vaccine to help fend off the illness. The question remains as to how the dispensing of this vaccine will occur and what steps are being taken to prevent the setbacks experienced last year.
No problems are expected this year said Nicole Stone, the vaccine prevention disease surveillance coordinator for the Utah Department of Health.
Although there are fewer companies making the vaccine this year, no shortage is anticipated, although the general public should expect a delay in the delivery to local clinics providing the vaccination, Stone said.
Most people will be able to receive their immunizations in late October or early November when it becomes available to the public, she said.
Those patients who are of high risk for influenza will be receiving their shots at the regular time in October. High risk patients include people 65 years and older, those with chronic medical problems and those with immune deficiencies.
The flu season generally runs from November to April, though cases have been reported as early as October in some areas.
These early cases provide problems for the manufacturers and dispensers of the vaccine. In those cases, the virus, which is transmitted through the air, has had the time to spread before the vaccine could be distributed with enough time to be effective.
The time and severity of the upcoming season is yet to be known. Though many scientific persons are known to make predictions about it, no one can accurately guess what can be expected, Stone said.
Researchers, such as Stone, gather information about the trends in a season, including when the illness first started, when it ended and how many cases there were. This information becomes harder to gather because of the lack of testing from physicians, she said. Often, a doctor will diagnose a patient with the flu without testing them simply because they show some symptoms and see the patient during the time when the flu is the prevalent illness, Stone said.
For those who are not high risk and must wait for their vaccination, there are some ways to help protect themselves from receiving the virus.
Judy Baldwin, Student Health Services, recommends students wash their hands frequently, especially when they come in contact with the nose and mouth.
“Always keep up a good hygiene regimen. Get plenty of fluids and rest. Do all the things that are considered good common sense,” Baldwin said.
Lastly, always try to avoid being in crowded areas where the flu can be spread, she said.
This year, there will be a clinic available to those who wish to receive the vaccine. This service is being offered by Student Health Services. The dates and times for the clinic will be announced at a later time in The Statesman.