AMA urges all to focus on high-risk patients first for flu vaccines
“We are working with the Public Health Service to get vaccine to neediest patients first”
For immediate release
November 2, 2000
Responding to numerous inquiries from physicians and patients, the American Medical Association today urged all those distributing influenza vaccine to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and give vaccinations on a priority basis to high-risk patients until the delay in distribution has passed.
Manufacturing delays have resulted in some spot flu vaccine shortages throughout the country. “The AMA is working with the Surgeon General and the CDC on the best ways to remedy this temporary problem and get flu vaccine to the patients who need it most,” said AMA President Randolph D. Smoak, Jr., MD.
“We’ve been assured that the Public Health Service is taking action to identify local areas where vaccines are not getting to high-risk patients, and we have offered our help in getting word to physicians on how they can get vaccine to their patients with the greatest need.
“We urge all those with vaccine supplies for patients who are not high risk to loan vaccine to nursing homes, physicians, and others who are actively serving high-risk patients,” Dr. Smoak said. The CDC has instituted a local flu vaccine exchange.
The CDC anticipates that all flu vaccine supplies will be shipped by the end of December. “It is important for the American people to understand that we don’t expect a shortage of flu vaccine this year, just a delay,” said Dr. Smoak. “Flu vaccine will be available to the general public before the flu season peaks in January or later, but we need everyone’s cooperation to get vaccine to the neediest patients first.”
“We are calling on healthy individuals who are not at high risk for flu complications to do the right thing and wait a few weeks to be vaccinated, so those who are most at risk can get flu shots first,” Dr. Smoak said.
The CDC has updated their recommendations for the 2000-2001 season. Persons in the high-risk category for complications from influenza are:
1.Persons aged 65 and older.
2.Nursing home and chronic-care facility residents.
3.Children and adults with chronic respiratory and heart disorders, including asthma.
4.Children and adults with chronic liver, kidney diseases, diabetes, blood disorders
and immune system problems.
5.Children receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
6.Women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.
For more information, please contact:
Brenda L. Craine
202/789-7447
Last updated: Nov 02, 2000 |
