Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent influenza. For 2010-11, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the following groups get a seasonal flu vaccine:

• All children, ages 6 months up to the 19th birthday
• All adults, 50 years and older
• Children and adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special health care needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma and other breathing problems, sickle cell anemia and cerebral palsy
• Pregnant women
• People who live or work in long-term care facilities
• Household contacts and caregivers of people in any of the above groups
• Health care professionals
• Household contacts and caregivers of children, especially those in contact with babies under 6 months of age who are too young to get flu vaccine
• Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu

It is important that people with chronic medical conditions be vaccinated even if their condition is under control.

The seasonal influenza vaccine is directed against strains of influenza that were expected to be circulating during the 2010-2011 influenza season, based on information available in February, when a decision regarding the composition of the vaccine was made.

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect people against the 2009 (pandemic) H1N1 influenza virus, which resulted in the declaration of a pandemic by the WHO in June 2009.

Laern more at the FDA website:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm100139.htm

People are urged to use their regular health care providers for immunizations. For help finding an immunization clinic:

• Check the American Lung Association Flu Shot Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org/
• Call your local health department. Find contact information for Washington State local health departments at www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm
• Call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
• Contact your local pharmacy.

Two Both vaccines protect against the three most widely circulating flu virus strains.

1. The 'flu shot' contains inactivated (killed viruses). It is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot can be given to people over 6 months of age, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.

2. The nasal-spray flu vaccine (often called LAIV for Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, brand name FluMist) contains weakened live viruses, and is sprayed into both nostrils. It can only be given to healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 years who are not pregnant.

Many insurance carriers, including Medicare Part B, cover the vaccine - - people should be advised to check with their insurance carrier for details.

The following resources may help answer questions related to immunization benefits and coverage.

• Medicaid
  1-800-562-3022
  http://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/index.html
• Medicare
  1-877-267-2323
• SHIBA - Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor
  Statewide number - 1-800-562-6900 TTY: 360-586-0241
  Pierce County number (253) 596-0918
  www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba/index.shtml

Flu shots offer the best protection against the flu.

Practicing good health manners like covering coughs and sneezes; washing hands frequently; and staying home when sick can help prevent the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Find more info on the Washington State Department of Health's Flu News Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/).

Washington State Department of Health
www.doh.wa.gov/flunews/
www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/default.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/flu
1-800-CDC-INFO in English and Spanish

'What To Do About The Flu'
www.flu.gov
One-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information.