HHS HealthBeat (September 29, 2008)

Go for the record

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

A new flu season is heading toward us, and flu-fighters want more people to be ready. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, want 30 million more people to be vaccinated, to reach a record 261 million people.

This includes more children and teens. The new recommendations cover ages six months to the 19^th birthday. Of course, adults need vaccinations, too.

The CDC’s Dr. Daniel Jernigan:

``It’s important to remember that, of all the people in the population, those that are most likely to get influenza are those in the school-aged group.’’ (9 seconds)

And they can spread the flu to family members, miss school or day care – and, although it’s rare, develop very serious complications.

Jernigan also says this season’s flu vaccine is well-targeted to the expected flu season strains.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: September, 29 2008