DEAR ABBY: Those at High Risk Should Make Sure to Get Vaccine

By Jeanne Phillips

DEAR ABBY: In years past, you have helped the National Influenza Summit spread the word about the importance of yearly influenza vaccination. On behalf of millions of health-care professionals, thank you for this great public service, and for helping to protect our patients against a disease that kills 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes more than 200,000 every year.

As our nation faces another flu season, your readers may remember last year’s uncertainty about the vaccine supply, and wonder how best to protect their health and ensure that this valuable vaccine is distributed first to those who need it most. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that the following groups should be vaccinated annually, even when vaccine is in short supply:

* PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK FOR COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLUENZA: This includes people 65 and older; people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; all children 6 to 23 months of age; adults and children 6 months and older with chronic medical conditions; and women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.

* PEOPLE WHO CAN TRANSMIT INFLUENZA TO OTHERS AT HIGH RISK: This includes health-care workers, and household contacts and out-of- home caregivers of children 0 to 6 months of age.

If injectable flu vaccine is in short supply again this year, the CDC recommends that FluMist (nasal spray vaccine) be encouraged for use as much as possible for non-pregnant, healthy people 5 to 49 years of age, including health-care workers and contacts of the high- risk persons listed above.

Mitchel C. Rothholz

American Pharmacists Association

DEAR READERS: As most of you know by now, I am, from personal experience, a firm believer in flu vaccination. If you fall into any of the groups mentioned in Mr. Rothholz’s letter, get vaccinated early in the season (October) by your health-care provider or local health department. If you are not in one of these groups, vaccination in later months is a good way to safeguard your health. According to the CDC, flu shots will be "prioritized" until Oct. 24. On Oct. 24, the vaccine will be available to all who want it. Mark your calendars!

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.