CDC urges physicians to continue vaccinating patients into 2012

In years past, influenza vaccinations used to nearly come to a halt after Thanksgiving, but the CDC is encouraging physicians to continue giving influenza vaccinations into January.

“It’s not too late to vaccinate,” Howard Koh, MD, assistant secretary for health, said during a media telebriefing today to promote National Influenza Vaccination Week, which began today. “Vaccination is the essence of prevention, and prevention is essence of public health.”

Koh said influenza vaccination is important for everyone aged 6 months and older, but it is also important for patients with chronic health conditions and for health care workers (HCWs).

“Vaccination of HCWs is a critical issue because they can protect themselves, their families and their patients,” he said. “HCW vaccination is a win-win-win.”

Results of a CDC survey of nearly 2,500 HCWs indicated that 63% were vaccinated by end of November, which represents a 7% increase over this time last year. Most (79%) of these HCWs were vaccinated at work, which demonstrates the importance of onsite immunization clinics, according to Koh.

“We want this trend to continue,” he said.

Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, provided an update during the briefing on influenza activity and influenza vaccination. Although there are many strains currently circulating, there is little influenza disease activity as of the end of November, she said. Thirty states have reported laboratory-confirmed cases, and the strains at this time appear to match the vaccine.

Anne Schuchat, MD

“Now is a great time to get vaccinated; to get most benefit before influenza activity begins. This means they will have protection before holidays and holiday travel,” Schuchat said. “Nobody wants flu on their holiday wish list.”

Schuchat said additional survey data have indicated that about 36% of the population received influenza vaccine as of the end of November, which is an increase from 2010. Rates for children have increased from 31% to 37% and from 34% to 36% for adults. Also, the absence of racial disparities among pediatric minorities is evident in influenza vaccinations.

However, there is always room for improvement, according to Schuchat, adding that the disparities still exist for adults.

“Put getting vaccinated on your holiday to do list,” she said.

National Influenza Vaccination Week was established by the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC and other partners to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination and to generate greater use of influenza vaccine into January and beyond.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends influenza vaccination for all patients aged at least 6 months, but especially for high-risk groups, including children aged younger than 2 years; patients with certain chronic health conditions; pregnant women; and adults aged at least 65 years.

Children aged 6 months to 8 years who did not receive at least one dose of the 2010-2011 influenza vaccine will need two doses this season to be fully protected.

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