National Influenza Vaccination Week Brings Attention And Pro-Active Solution To Upcoming Flu Season

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 27 Nov 2007 - 14:00 PDT

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Yesterday marked the first day of National Influenza Vaccination Week - November 26 to December 2. This seven-day awareness event is designed to bring attention to the importance of influenza (flu) vaccinations. Tomorrow is Children's Flu Vaccination Day, and is designed to encourage vaccinations for high-risk children - any child under the age of five.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is proud to say that many members offer easily accessible flu vaccines in pharmacies across the country. In 2006, pharmacists-provided 2.77 million influenza vaccines. This year, the number of pharmacist provided flu vaccines is expected to increase.

Flu vaccinations are typically administered from October through January. Vaccine manufacturers report that as many as 132 million doses of the vaccine could be produced and available for distribution by the end of this flu season. This will make it possible for the almost 75 percent of Americans who are recommended to receive the flu vaccine to do so.

While it is possible for anyone to contract influenza, the flu can be particularly dangerous for certain groups who may develop serious flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. These groups include: infants and young children, pregnant women, children and adults with chronic medical conditions, and anyone 65 years and older. The risk for children has been highlighted with its own day because every year over 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized as a result of influenza.

"NACDS and its members promote awareness of the importance of the influenza vaccine. NACDS' member pharmacies serve over 160 million patients a year, and serve as an excellent source of information for them and others in their neighborhood. In order to accommodate their patients' needs, many of our members provide convenient times and locations for them to receive the vaccine," said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. "Pharmacists know it is important to be pro-active with maintaining patients' health. Along with medication advice and patient counseling, this is yet another way that pharmacies take the extra step in serving their patients."

For more information on how to get the flu vaccine, talk with your local pharmacist or visit http://www.flucliniclocator.org to find a flu clinic near you.

National Association of Chain Drug Stores