Government Study Recommends Flu Shots for 85% of The Population
A recent government study recommends immunization for all people from the age of 6 months – 18 years. This increased recommendation is prompted by a rise in staph related deaths among this age group and a recent study by the Federal Drug Administration, that found half the people that are recommended to get immunized are unaware. Furthermore, there is no shortage of the immunization this year so it can be administered to everyone who needs it.
According to the study, 47 children died in 2004-2005 due to flu related complications, 46 in 2005-2006, and 73 in 2006-2007. All of these children were in the age range of 6 months to 18 years old and all of them were healthy before they acquired influenza. Additionally, there has been an increase from 6% in 2004-2005 to 36% in 2006-2007 of children who also acquired a bacterial infection, such as Staph and MRSA, the anti biotic resistant bacteria. According to Lynn Finelli, the lead author of the study who works with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is an estimated 86 children that died in 2007-2008 from flu related complications.
Although the numbers of deaths don’t seem too high, they are on the rise and so is hospitalization for children with the flu. The study estimates that there are 20,000 children hospitalized per year to be treated for the flu and related symptoms and there has been 5 times the number of "hard-to-treat" cases of the flu for children this year compared to last year.
According to webmed, rates of infection are highest among children but people 65 and older are most susceptible to complications, and death when exposed to the flu. The CDC, also urges Seniors to be vaccinated against pneumoccocus, which causes pneumonia and meningitis.
The Government now recommends 85% of the population receive immunizations against the flu. If you fit into any of the following groups, it is strongly advised that you get a flu shot this season.
- Over the age of 50
- Between the ages of 6 months and 18 years old
- Chronically ill
- Pregnant
- Live in assisted living
- Health care worker
- Anyone with daily exposure to the above groups
To find out where you can get you flu shots, click here.
For additional information of the flu, click here.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- Bacterial Infections May Contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- CDC Posts Updated Immunization Recommendations for People 18 Years of Age and Younger
- Flu Vaccine Questions & Answers from the CDC
- MRSA Cases Increasing, DC-Area Schools Affected
For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.