Flu Vaccine Distributors Support National Influenza Vaccination Week

21 December, 2011 (19:59) | Home Insurance | By: admin

To highlight the importance of seasonal flu vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Well being and Human Services (HHS) announced right now the establishment of National Influenza Vaccination Week on November 27-December three.

“The season for vaccination does not end at Thanksgiving,” said CDC director Dr. Julie Gerberding, noting, “we have to broaden our schedules for flu clinics. [This] is a very important adjustment that needs to be made in the medical community.”

A recent survey by the Wellness Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) shows that the majority of Americans (62 percent) believe the best time to get a flu shot is in the fall (September – October). “National Influenza Vaccination Week will help people know that it’s a good idea to get a flu shot even in December or January,” stated Matt Rowan, HIDA’s president and CEO.

According towards the CDC, influenza has peaked in February 13 times in the past 30 flu seasons, making vaccination in November, December and beyond beneficial. For the 2006-2007 season, flu activity remains low nationwide. An abundant supply of flu vaccine – up to 115 million doses – is anticipated.

Because of the complicated nature of flu vaccine production, the CDC advises that flu vaccine cannot be produced all at once. Approximately 77 million doses were released as of November 13, the CDC reports.

Distribution of flu vaccine occurs in two ways: direct from manufacturers and via distributors who send 8 out of 10 doses that they receive to physician offices. Distributors are allocated flu vaccine by manufacturers. Once distributors receive vaccine from manufacturers, it is delivered to healthcare providers in a matter of days.

In assistance of National Influenza Vaccination Week, members of the flu vaccine distribution community are offering educational resources that include a new Web site for healthcare providers, patients and others who seek to learn how flu vaccine is produced and delivered. To learn more about flu vaccine and its distribution, visit http://www.flusupplynews.com. For more on National Influenza Vaccination Week, a joint effort from HHS, the CDC, and the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu.

Wellness Industry Distributors Association
http://www.flusupplynews.com
http://www.cdc.gov/flu