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IT'S TIME FOR A FLU SHOT AT YOUR LOCAL VA FACILITY --

"The message for most people is get your flu shot. It's

an advantage to you or someone you care about."

It's time to get a flu shot.

Please call your local VA facility and ask for the times and locations for their flu shot clinics.

And, for older veterans, many doctors recommend the pneumonia vaccine, as well.  Check with your primary care provider.

There is a very large supply of flu vaccine this year, as we learn in the following story.

Story here... http://gazettextra.com/news/2
008/oct/04/no-shortage-vaccines-flu-season-begins/

Story below:

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No shortage of vaccines as flu season begins

By GINA DUWE

JANESVILLE — There’s no need to fear a shortage of flu vaccine this year, area officials say.

The United States received more than 143 million doses of the vaccine, Mercy Health System infectious disease Dr. Keith Konkol said.

“We have a fairly large shipment on hand already,” he said.

Although the vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, it’s possible a strain will emerge that the vaccine doesn’t protect against, he said.

Sometimes officials get the right mix, sometimes not. Last flu season some flu cases did not “optimally” match the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Most of these influenza viruses originate in places like China and Southeast Asia,” Konkol said. “This year’s flu vaccine is kind of what the flu looked like a year ago in China and Southeast Asia. That’s how they predict it.”

Most of the strains are similar enough, though, that a vaccine will lessen your symptoms even if you get a strain that doesn’t match the vaccine, he said.

“The flu can change even throughout the season,” said Jessica Petitte, public health nurse at the Rock County Health Department. “It’s almost impossible to know how bad it will be.”

The vaccine lasts for a year.

This month kicks off flu season, which runs through March.

To keep the flu from kicking you into bed, remember these points:

-- “What I think is pretty interesting that a lot don’t know is how dangerous the flu is,” Petitte said.

The flu is the most frequent cause of death from a vaccine-preventable disease, she said.

About 36,000 people die each flu season, she said, while more than 200,000 are hospitalized.

-- Does the word “needle” alone make your child run away screaming? If so, FluMist might be an option. The nasal spray is a different form of the flu vaccine, recommended for healthy people age 2 to 49 who don’t have any underlying medical conditions, Petitte said.

Studies have shown the spray protects better than the shot, she said.

-- Officials recommend the vaccine for anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu.

The CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend the vaccine for those who are at high risk for complications, including people who are:

-- Age 6 months to 19 years.

-- Pregnant.

-- Age 50 and older.

-- Suffering from certain chronic medical conditions.

-- Living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

-- Living with or caring for those at high risk for complications from flu.

Washing your hands often is one of the best ways to avoid getting the flu, Petitte said. Also, when you’re sick, stay home to prevent spreading your illness.

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