WWHD recommends seasonal flu vaccination

(Aug. 24, 2009) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects that H1N1 influenza viruses will co-circulate with regular seasonal influenza viruses over our influenza season. The timing, spread and severity of 2009 H1N1 virus – in addition to our regular seasonal influenza viruses - are uncertain.

The new 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of influenza, and the importance of prevention. While the H1N1 influenza virus has been the focus of attention since the spring, it is important that we do not forget the risks posed by seasonal influenza viruses.

Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from seasonal influenza.  

Annual flu vaccines contain three viruses: one A (H1N1) virus, one A (H3N2) virus and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. Although the annual seasonal flu vaccine contains an H1N1 type of A virus, this year’s seasonal vaccine is not expected to give any protection to the new strain of H1N1.

WWHD recommends that people, especially those at high risk for serious complications and their close contacts, get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available at their doctors’ offices or at one of the WWHD sponsored flu clinics.