The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced approval of the influenza vaccine formulation for the 2011-2012 flu season. The vaccine formulation protects against the three virus strains that surveillance indicates will be most common during the upcoming season and includes the same virus strains used in 2010-2011 (influenza A H3N2 virus, influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus.).
Six manufacturers have been licensed to provide the vaccine throughout the United States: CSL Limited, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, BiomedicalCorporation, MedImmune Vaccines Inc., Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (Sanofi Pastuer Inc. will also be producing and distributinga transdermal version of the vaccine that will be available for 18 to 64 year olds, approved separately on May 9, 2011.) Production of the vaccine will get underway shortly and be ready in time for the fall/winter flu season.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of preventing influenza,a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza virus strains. According to the FDA press release, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations from related complications. Influenza-related deaths vary yearly, ranging from a low of about 3,000 to a high of 49,000 people.
The Centers for Disease Control consider the annual flu a “serious and contagious disease.” It can lead to hospitalization and death, and while they do not expect a repeat performance of the 2009 pandemic, the flu is unpredictable and it is wise to take precautions to avoid the contagion.The CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza:
Vaccination : Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu. Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.
Prevention : Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
Follow-Through : Get a prescription for and take the whole dosage of antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and prevent serious flu complications.
Six manufacturers have been licensed to provide the vaccine throughout the United States: CSL Limited, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, BiomedicalCorporation, MedImmune Vaccines Inc., Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (Sanofi Pastuer Inc. will also be producing and distributinga transdermal version of the vaccine that will be available for 18 to 64 year olds, approved separately on May 9, 2011.) Production of the vaccine will get underway shortly and be ready in time for the fall/winter flu season.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of preventing influenza,a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza virus strains. According to the FDA press release, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations from related complications. Influenza-related deaths vary yearly, ranging from a low of about 3,000 to a high of 49,000 people.
The Centers for Disease Control consider the annual flu a “serious and contagious disease.” It can lead to hospitalization and death, and while they do not expect a repeat performance of the 2009 pandemic, the flu is unpredictable and it is wise to take precautions to avoid the contagion.The CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza:
Vaccination : Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu. Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.
Prevention : Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
Follow-Through : Get a prescription for and take the whole dosage of antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and prevent serious flu complications.
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