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For Release Tuesday, 30th
October, 2001 Contact:
Bill Parizek 850-245-4111
Tallahassee, An emergency rule allowing the transfer and re-sale of locally available flu vaccine from vendors with a surplus to others in need has been implemented to deal with this year’s delay, health officials announced today. Coordination with the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and other affected groups is underway to inform all parties of the situation, with county health departments across the state monitoring the situation and assisting in making vaccine available in areas of need.
Florida Department of Health Secretary John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., has requested that vaccine providers place their short-term focus on vaccinating those citizens at highest risk first. He has also reminded parties conducting influenza vaccination campaigns at supermarkets and pharmacies across the state that county health departments are available as a source of guidance and information on the subject.
Like last year, a vaccine shortage has occurred across the nation, mainly due to one of the primary manufacturers not yet releasing their supply. Influenza season does not usually begin until mid to late December, when officials expect a full supply of available vaccine.
Officials have asked all providers of vaccinations to give preference to those patients at highest risk. Those considered at highest risk include:
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persons age 65 and older;
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residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions;
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adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma;
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adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction, hemogolobinopathies, or immune deficiency;
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children and teenagers who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after influenza; and
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women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.
***Note***
Attached is a Test Your Flu IQ Flu Fact Sheet
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