After the shortages of flu vaccine the last few years, everyone is looking forward to an ample supply of flu vaccine this year. And since the CDC reports that 'influenza vaccine manufacturers are projecting that approximately 100 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available in the U.S. for use during the 2006-07 influenza season,' which is more than we have ever had, there should be more than enough to go around to everyone who needs and wants a flu shots.

Unfortunately, flu shot delays have kept many kids from getting their flu shot yet.

A new recommendation that all children who are under age 5 years old should get a flu shot may make your Pediatrician's office a very busy place though once they get their flu shots. Remember that it used to be that only healthy children under age 2 years 'needed' a flu shot.

With this new recommendation, about 10.6 million healthy children between the ages of 24 to 59 months should get a flu shot this year.

Who Needs a Flu Shot?

So who 'needs' a flu shot according to the latest recommendations?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone at high risk of complications from the flu, including:

• children aged 6 to 59 months
  
• pregnant women
• persons aged 50 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions
  
• residents of long-term care facilities
  
• persons with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, immunodeficiency, etc.
  
• children and teens who are receiving long term aspirin therapy

Other people who should get a yearly flu shot include:

• health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
  
• household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged < 5 years or other people who are at high risk of complications of the flu

When Should You Get A Flu Shot?

Although it is usually recommended that you get a flu shot in October or November, with the current delays, it might be late November or December before your child is finally able to get a flu shot. Since flu season often peaks in January or February and can extend into March or April, that means that it is still not too late to get a flu shot.

Flu Season Update

This year's flu season looks a lot like last years, with a small peak in December, and then decreasing levels in January. We will have to wait and see if we get another late peak in late February and into March.

The CDC reports a decreasing level of flu activity in the United States, including:

• Widespread activity was reported by five states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee).
• Regional activity was reported by 11 states (Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas).
• Local activity was reported by 15 states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin).
• Sporadic activity was reported by the District of Columbia, New York City and 19 states (Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming).
• No influenza activity was reported by one state (Vermont).

Although parents often have a hard time telling if their kids have a simple cold or the flu this time of year, if they have flu symptoms and and the CDC reports widespread or regional flu activity in your area, then you might see your doctor to see if it is the flu.

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