Flu Season

Last year, seasonal influenza vaccine for the 2010-2011 flu season became available in October 2010. “The H1N1 vaccine was included with the regular seasonal flu vaccine,” according to OMC Medical Director Tony Giefer, MD, MPH. “People of all ages should consider flu vaccination, especially those at the highest risk,” he said at the time.

Flu Vaccination Clinics Were on October 1, 8 and 22
Vaccination clinics (by appointment only) were offered at the Medical Center on October 1, 8 and 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to Alison Shaw, OMC Practice Administrator. Vaccinations were also scheduled as nurse-only appointments, or as part of a regular physician visit. For appointments, patients called 376-2561.

According to Shaw, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has provided the following list of people who should be vaccinated with seasonal flu vaccine:

• Children ages 6 months through 18 years old
• Household contacts and care givers of children under 5 years, and especially of children under 6 months
• All persons 6 months and older with chronic medical conditions and/or suppressed immune systems
• Women who will be pregnant during flu season
• Adults 50 years and older
• Care givers for residents of nursing homes and related facilities
• Household contacts of people with medical conditions that place them at higher risk for complications from influenza
• Health care workers

“Seasonal flu vaccinations can be given throughout the flu season,” Shaw said. She added, “State-supplied vaccine will be available for children under 19 years of age and has arrived on Orcas. Children younger than 9 years may require a second dose at least 4 weeks later to be fully protected.”

According to Giefer, all other patients require only one dose of the vaccine as studies have not demonstrated any benefit from receiving more than one dose during an influenza season, even among elderly persons with weakened immune systems.