When it comes to flu shots, it’s better late than never

With the holiday season in full swing, the annual influenza season is nearly upon us. This year, for the first time, experts are urging that children 2 to 5 years old receive flu shots, along with younger children who have been immunized in the past. Although manufacturers are making more vaccine than ever, it may not reach some clinics until after Thanksgiving, prompting concerns that it might go unused.

Why do health experts recommend flu shots?

Influenza leads to 110,000 to 200,000 hospitalizations each year and 20,000 to 40,000 deaths. It is the leading cause of pneumonia.

Why is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urging flu shots for children ages 24 to 59 months?

In the past, the agency has limited its recommendation to children 6 months to 23 months, because they are almost as vulnerable to flu complications as the elderly. But the CDC has broadened its criteria this year, because children younger than 5 are more likely than older children to have flu symptoms requiring care in a doctor’s office or emergency room.

Who else should get a flu shot?

Shots are recommended in particular for those at higher risk of flu complications, including people 50 years and older, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care centers, pregnant women, those with certain chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and people who live with or care for high-risk individuals. But anyone who wants protection against the flu can get a shot, experts said.

This year California became the first state in the nation to require mercury-free flu vaccines for children younger than 3 and pregnant women. Why did the state recently approve a six-week exemption to that law?

The new law requires that vaccine for those groups use little or no thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury. But thimerosal-free vaccine is in short supply, and state health experts say the flu is a bigger risk for young children and pregnant women than vaccine containing thimerosal.

California experienced vaccine shortages in 2004 and 2005. Why is it happening again?

Flu vaccine manufacturers anticipate that 110 million to 155 million doses will be made this year, or 27 million to 32 million more than ever distributed in the past.

But experts say the sheer volume being produced has slowed distribution. For instance, the California Department of Health Services may not receive 36% of its vaccine for children who are uninsured or on public assistance until after Thanksgiving. Many doctors like to have vaccine supplies on hand in early October.

So is it too late to get a flu shot?

Absolutely not, health officials say. Although the traditional time is October and November, you can still get shots in December or later. Some worry that slow vaccine deliveries this year could mean that some people may simply decide not to get their shots at all.

“None of us wants to let this vaccine go to waste,” said Dr. Howard Backer, chief of the immunization branch of the state health department. Millions of unused doses could discourage manufacturers from making large amounts next year.

What does the vaccine contain, and why?

This year’s vaccine contains portions of three strains of inactivated viruses: A (H3N2), A (H1N1) and B. They were chosen based on scientific projections of what influenza types would circulate this year.

What if my children don’t like needles?

Vaccine is also available as a nasal spray that can be used by healthy people ages 5 to 49 who are not pregnant. This vaccine is made with live viruses that have been weakened so they provide immunity but do not cause influenza.

Where are flu shots available?

Contact local health departments for more information or check www.findaflushot.com. The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is holding flu clinics through early December for those 50 and older or at high risk who do not have a regular healthcare provider or cannot afford the vaccine.

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Sources: Centers for Disease Control, California Department of Health Services, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.