HHS HealthBeat (August 01, 2007)

Heads-up on flu season

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

The next flu season may feel far away to many of us. But the experts on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have to predict what we’ll need to know for the 2007-2008 season, so we can prepare.

That’s why the panel met in July to issue recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the CDC’s Immunization Center, Dr. Anthony Fiore:

``Perhaps the most important thing that we want to bring to the forefront is that anyone who wants to be vaccinated against influenza can be vaccinated and be protected from influenza and potentially protect their close contacts and loved ones.’’  (11 seconds)

Fiore says vaccination is most important for those at risk of severe complications from the flu, such as people over 50 and children from 6 months to their fifth birthday.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: August, 01 2007