Health
ACIP expands high-risk groups targeted for flu vaccination
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 15, 2005
Any patient who has a medical condition that can impact respiratory function and increase the risk of influenza complications, including cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries and seizure disorders, should receive a flu shot, according to recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices published in the July 13 Morbidity and Mortality Report.
The committee also urged all health care workers to be vaccinated annually and that hospitals and other health care facilities provide the vaccine in a way that increases the number of people who receive it.
Additional endorsement was given to the intranasal vaccine. The ACIP called for those eligible for this vaccine to take advantage of it during times of shortfalls in supply. In times of plenty, both the intranasal and injectable should be utilized.
Recommendations for how the vaccine should be prioritized by risk factors this season are expected later this summer, when the number of shots expected becomes more certain.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/08/15/hlbf0815.htm.
