GUIDANCE DURING SHORTAGES OF 2004 FLU VACCINE
On October 5, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) was notified by Chiron Corporation that none of its influenza
vaccine (Fluvirin®) would be available for distribution in the United
States for the 2004–05 influenza season. This will reduce by approximately
one-half the expected supply of trivalent inactivated vaccine (flu shot)
available in the United States for the 2004–05 influenza season.
Because of this urgent situation, CDC, in coordination with its Advisory
Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), is issuing interim
recommendations for influenza vaccination during the 2004–05 season. These
interim recommendations were formally recommended by ACIP on October 5,
2004, and take precedence over earlier recommendations.
Priority groups for vaccination include:
- all children aged 6–23 months.
- adults aged 65 years and older.
- persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions.
- all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
- residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
- children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
- health care workers, including dental health care professionals involved in direct patient care.
- out–of–home caregivers and household contacts of children aged < 6
months.
Additional information:
The complete text of the
Interim
Influenza Vaccination Recommendations, 2004–2005, Influenza Season.
Influenza (flu) information from
the CDC for health professionals and consumers.
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