APhA Encourages Americans To Get Vaccinated Against The Flu

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 12 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is encouraging Americans to visit their local pharmacist and other immunization providers to get immunized against the flu in response to concerning survey results just released by Consumer Reports Health. According to the survey, only 52 percent of Americans plan to get the flu vaccine this year.

"Influenza is a major public health concern each year, and pharmacists play a critical role in protecting patients against the virus," said John A. Gans, APhA's executive vice president and chief executive officer. "A yearly influenza vaccination is the best way to reduce one's chance of getting the flu and reduces the spread of infection."

Annually 5 to 20 percent of the US population is infected by influenza, resulting in nearly 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With pharmacists being the most accessible health care providers and authorized to immunize in 49 states excluding Maine, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, patients are encouraged to talk to their pharmacist about their vaccination needs.

Tips for Reducing Risk of Getting the Flu

Consistent with the recommendations provided by Consumer Reports Health and the CDC, APhA recommends the following additional precautions in addition to the getting a flu vaccination to protect against flu:

- Wash hands. That step, as well as using disinfectant wipes on telephone and computer keyboards, can prevent the transfer of viruses.

- Avoid close contact with sick people. Help protect other people as well, by covering coughs and sneezes.

- Get plenty of sleep. Eating well, exercising regularly, and reducing stress may also bolster immunity.

- People who smoke should quit. Smokers are vulnerable to the flu and its complications.

- Don't rely on herbs or supplements. None has proved to be effective at preventing the flu - not even popular products such as Echinacea, ginseng, or the homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum.

- Talk to your pharmacist. Bring a list of all the over-the-counter and prescription medications that you are taking to prevent any potential drug interactions.

To view the entire survey and for more information about the flu and the flu vaccine, log on to http://www.ConsumerReportsHealth.

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 63,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the uniformed services.

American Pharmacists Association