FLU VACCINE SHORTAGE CALLS FOR COMMONSENSE APPROACH

 HARRISBURG, OCT. 18  -- Responding to reports of a shortage of flu vaccine, state Sen. Connie Williams is urging people to take a commonsense approach to avoiding influenza.

 The state Department of Health is in charge of ordering and distributing flu vaccine, but because of issues with two manufacturers licensed to provide the vaccine to the United States, there will be 100 million less doses of the vaccine available.

 “If people pull together, most of us can survive the flu season only feeling a slight impact from the vaccine shortage,” Williams said. “All it takes is commonsense – stay home when you’re sick; wash your hands frequently; and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.”

 The Health Department is recommending that Pennsylvanians at greatest risk for complications and death from influenza be the first to receive the vaccine, and that others who are healthy wait to obtain their vaccinations until the at-risk population has been inoculated.

 The high-risk population include:

• All children aged 6 to 23 months

• Adults 65 and older

• People aged 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions

• Women who are pregnant during the influenza season

• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

• Children 6 months to 18 years old on chronic aspirin therapy

• Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care

• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children, 6 months and under

 For more information, the Health Department suggests people speak with their family doctor.

 Because of the shortage, the Montgomery County Health Department suspended the first week of Flu Clinics. A schedule of clinics, hours and locations are available online at http://www.montcopa.org/health/2004_flu_vaccination.htm. More information is available by calling the County Health Department at 610-278-5117. Information is not yet available on programs in Delaware County.