MANY KANSANS AT HIGH-RISK FOR FLU COMPLICATIONS
RECEIVED VACCINE

A study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shows that more than 40 percent of high-risk Kansans were vaccinated for influenza between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 2004. Specifically, 41.4 percent of high-risk Kansans in three categories received the vaccine, exceeding the national rate of 34.8 percent. (See attached map).

Flu season typically runs from September 1 though March 30 of the following year, therefore, the vaccination information in the study is not reflective of the entire season.

"We are encouraged that we could attain this level of protection for people at high risk for serious complications from the flu," said KDHE Interim Health Director Richard Morrissey. "This is especially good news as we work to expand the availability of the vaccine."

The high-risk groups measured in the study, published in this week's CDC Monthly Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) included people ages 18-64 years with high-risk conditions, people age 65 and older, and health care workers with patient contact. The study did not measure vaccine coverage in residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities, or out-of-home caregivers who have household contact with children 6 months and younger. These people are also considered to be at high risk.

"People who are recommended to get the vaccine should still contact local providers to determine if vaccine has arrived and make plans to get a flu shot," said Morrissey. "We still have more than half of the flu season to go and sometimes the peak of the flu season typically occurs following the upcoming holidays."

The CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are advising that only persons at high risk of serious complications from the flu be vaccinated.

As of Dec. 13, Kansas is allowing health care providers to expand vaccination to include the following groups, if flu vaccine supplies are sufficient in the community to expand coverage:

• adults 50 years or over
• household contacts of high priority individuals

All Kansans who are in the following categories have been eligible to receive flu vaccine throughout the season.

• children aged 6-23 months
• adults 65 years of age and older
• persons 2-64 years of age with underlying chronic medical conditions
• all women who will be pregnant during influenza season
• residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities
• children 6 months - 18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy
• health care workers involved with direct hands-on patient care, especially patient care of high risk individuals
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months of age

Additional shipments of flu vaccine are beginning to arrive in the state just in time to get Kansans protected from influenza before the holidays. KDHE has received information from several county health departments and private providers confirming the arrival of the shipments. The state is expecting a total of 90,000 doses of vaccine to be delivered from mid-November to mid-January.

Current Flu Activity Level in Kansas:

Only sporadic influenza activity has been reported in Kansas, and this is usual for this time of year. There have been no culture-confirmed cases of influenza yet in Kansas. January through March is typically the peak time for flu in Kansas.

Eligible Kansans who have not been vaccinated should be aware that:

• To date, influenza activity is quite low. However, it is still early and influenza season is unpredictable. The level of reported influenza activity can shift at any time.

• More people, especially those in the priority groups for vaccination, should seek an influenza vaccination. The best time to get vaccinated is before influenza is widespread.

• There have been many successes during this influenza vaccination season, but significant concerns remain.

Steps the public can take to avoid catching or spreading the flu:

• Proper and frequent hand washing with soap and warm water is extremely important.
• Stay home from school or work when sick.
• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

For more information regarding flu vaccine and steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu please go to: www.kdheks.gov.

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