November 13, 2006 -- Influenza Week Set to Boost Vaccinations

Noting that national interest in getting a flu vaccination traditionally tapers off after Thanksgiving, the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today that the week after Thanksgiving this year has been officially designated as National Influenza Vaccination Week. CDC Director Julie Gerberding noted that 77 million doses of flu vaccine have already been distributed and more are in the pipeline, with an expected 115 million doses due before the end of the year. This year, the CDC is recommending that children between two years and five years of age be vaccinated, since they are considered at high risk of developing complications of the flu. Others with special vaccination need are persons over the age of 50, those with severe chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and health care workers. The CDC points out, however, that vaccination is recommended "for anyone who wants to decrease the risk of influenza." The CDC also recommends that shots be offered throughout the flu season, which does not peak until February, and even after flu has appeared in a community.