Did you get your flu shot last year? The answer to that question was "yes" for over 3,400 older adults and others at risk for serious health problems who received their flu shots at one of the County Board of Health flu clinics in 1996. Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine was also given to over 200 high risk individuals.
More physicians and other health care providers have joined local health departments in offering flu vaccine since Medicare reimbursement for flu vaccination began in 1993, resulting in slightly lower attendance at clinics as more seniors get their flu shots from their doctors during routine visits.
But more public and private sector efforts are needed to help fight influenza - flu - which caused an estimated 20,000 deaths during each of 10 epidemics that occurred from 1972-1991, according to Diana Colaianni, nursing director for the Board of Health. Pneumococcal infections cause an estimated 40,000 deaths each year in the U.S. and are the most common cause for bacterial pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
National disease prevention objectives call for an influenza vaccination level of 60 percent for persons 65 and older by the end of the decade. A 1993 study conducted by the Board of Health found that 44 percent of seniors had received a flu shot in the last year, below state and national levels for the same period.
The Board of Health expects to offer influenza and pneumonia vaccinations at many locations throughout the county before the next flu season, including some new locations like the Southern Park Mall, where 25 percent of last year's participants received their first-ever flu shot.