Influenza vaccine information from Oklahoma Department of Health

Influenza Vaccine Information

The 2007-2008 influenza vaccine protects against H3N2 Influenza A Wisconsin-like virus, the H1N1 influenza A Solomon Islands-like virus, and the influenza B Malaysia-like virus.  The estimated number of people who receive the influenza vaccine remains quite low (<50%) among certain groups that yearly vaccination is recommended, including young children and adults with risk factors form influenza complications, health-care personnel, and pregnant women.

Who are the high-risk groups targeted form influenza vaccination in Oklahoma?

1) Persons in the following groups are considered at increased risk for severe flue related complications and should be vaccinated:

• All children aged 6--59 months (6 months--4 years)
• All persons aged >50 years
• Adults and children who have chronic breathing problems (including asthma), heart problems (except high blood pressure), kidney, liver, blood or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
• Adults and children who have weak immune systems that lower the body's ability to fight infection and disease (immunosuppression) due to medications or by HIV
• Persons with any condition that may effect breathing such as disorders affecting brain function, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other disorders affecting muscle and nerve function
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Children six months through 18 years of age one chronic aspirin therapy
• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season

2) Persons who can spread the disease to those at increased risk for severe flu-related complications should be vaccinated including:

• Health-care workers involved in direct patient care
• Caregivers of children under 5 years of age
• Household contacts of those at increased risk for complications such as children under the age of 5 or adults > 50 years of age as well as those with severe heart or lung disease or immunosuppressive conidtions