CDC Panel Votes for Flu Shot for Everyone
An advisory panel for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has voted to amend the recommendations for flu shots to everyone over 6 months of age. The CDC expects to implement the panel’s recommendation for the 2010-2011 flu season.
Health care analysts believe that part of the reason more people don’t get the shots is tied to uncertainty about who should be getting them. The move is intended to reduce any confusion about who should get the shots and encourage all age groups to seek out the vaccines. Records show that about 50 percent of the recommended groups have received the flu shot in the past.
The recommendations will still exclude babies under 6 months of age as well as seniors with egg allergies and some with chronic conditions that might increase the risk of complications from the vaccine. While the move is expected to increase demand for vaccines, the CDC is confident that the availability for the upcoming season is secure and will be sufficient to cover the increase.