Flu shot season has arrived

SIKESTON, Mo. -- In recent years, obtaining shipments of the influenza vaccination was as much of a headache as the illness itself, but things are looking up for the 2002-2003 vaccination season.

Manufacturers report vaccine production is proceeding satisfactorily and area health departments are ready to help residents arm themselves against the flu.

New Madrid County residents can start filing in for flu shots on Oct. 10. The first day for Scott County adults at high risk is Oct. 11 and in Mississippi County, Oct. 25 is the starting date for inoculations.

The projected influenza vaccine, based on manufacturers' estimates, is approximately 94 million doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

About 80 percent of the total production is anticipated to be distributed before Nov. 1.

"As far as our receiving the vaccine shipments, it shouldn't be as bad this year," said Kay Griffin of the Scott County Health Department. "We've ordered 3,500 doses and have 1,000 doses in."

Also reporting no shipment problems, the New Madrid County Health Department's Michelle Brazel said they have received the 1,900 doses they have ordered.

Updates to vaccine

Since influenza viruses change often, the influenza vaccine is updated each year.

The CDC is urging people at highest risk of severe illness from flu to be first in line. This group includes people ages 65 and older, children 6-23 months, adults and children with a chronic health condition and pregnant women who will be past the third month of pregnancy during flu season, which is usually November though March.

Healthy individuals are asked to wait until November to get their shots. Although getting the vaccination in December or later will still protect against the flu, the best time is October and November. Protection develops about two weeks after getting the shot and may last up to a year.

Flu season typically peaks between January and March.

The CDC cautions influenza is much more dangerous than a bad cold, as it is a disease of the lungs and can lead to pneumonia. Influenza can cause fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills and muscle aches.

Although most people are ill with influenza only a few days, some people become so ill as to require hospitalization.

Each year about 20,000 people die because of the flu.