Flu
vaccine information for MUSC employees
Information provided by the Department of Pharmacy Services.
Why is there a shortage of flu vaccine?
The British Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency suspended
the manufacturing license of one of the two manufacturers of injectable
flu vaccine. This caused a 50-percent reduction of the available supply
of United States flu vaccine.
Does MUSC have flu vaccine?
Not at this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
are working with the remaining manufacturer of injectable flu vaccine to
allocate 22.4 million doses of the vaccine across the nation. At this time,
we do not know the allocation for the MUSC hospital and clinics; however,
we expect to receive a supply. Once we have the vaccine, we will announce
our own allocation plan. A task force of clinicians and administrators
at MUSC has been working with local and state DHEC departments to communicate
MUSC's needs and obtain a supply.
When will MUSC get the flu vaccine?
An allocation plan between the CDC and Aventis Pasteur is being discussed.
The details of this plan have not been released, as the group is surveying
areas across the nation to determine the areas of most need. When our allocation
is announced, the administration will release the information through Medical
Center leadership.
What about Flumist?
Flumist is a live attenuated vaccine intended for active immunization
against the influenza virus. It is administered intranasally and is intended
for healthy people ages 5 to 49 years. Flumist should not be given
to patients with known or suspected immune deficiencies, those with an
egg allergy, patients 5 to 17 years of age who are being treated with aspirin
therapy, or health care workers that will care for profoundly immunosupressed
patients within seven days of vaccination.
The Medical Center is working to procure Flumist for our health care
workers with direct patient care and for patients who meet vaccination
criteria. Additional details about vaccination procedures with Flumist
will be available soon and will be communicated through MUSC supervisors.
Where else can I get the flu vaccine?
At this time, we expect MUSC to get the vaccine through the CDC allocation
process; however, we are not sure when and in what quantity. Health care
workers will be prioritized based on patient-care activities. The health
departments in Charleston are taking appointments for patients who want
the vaccine. For up-to-the-minute flu vaccine stock, they should be contacted.
In addition, some area pharmacies have scheduled flu vaccine clinics. Your
primary care provider may also have the vaccine or be able to refer you
to a clinic with vaccine.
Who should get vaccinated this season?
Because of a shortfall in vaccine production for this season, CDC is
recommending that certain people be given priority for getting the vaccine.
People in the following groups should seek vaccination this season: all
children aged 6 to 23 months; adults aged 65 years and older; persons aged
2 to 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 involved in direct patient care; and
out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged to 6 months.
These people are considered at high risk for serious flu complications
or have contact with people at high risk for serious flu complications.
If you are not in this group, the CDC asks that you forgo the vaccination
this year so the limited stock may be reserved for those most at risk.
What other steps can be taken to prevent the
flu?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep
your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.
You will help prevent the spread of your illness to others.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It
may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands often will help protect against germs. Avoid touching
your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches
something contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose
or mouth.
The Wellness Column, a column featured in
The Catalyst, is presented by the MUSC Employee Wellness Committee. The
TEAM MUSC visual highlights a team approach to health and wellness. Its
goal is to keep MUSC employees, staff, faculty and students informed about
wellness opportunities available as well as provide the latest health and
wellness tips.
Friday, Oct. 22, 2004
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated
as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations
for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South
Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107
or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst
Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu
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