The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recommends that virtually everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine. It is especially important for children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, adults 65 years of age and older, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, people who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, and people with certain chronic medical conditions who are at a higher risk for developing flu-related complications. Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting with their health care provider.
While a consistent high-level protection against influenza remains elusive for the present generation of vaccines, all scientists and public health professionals agree that present vaccines still are the best intervention available for seasonal influenza. Encourage everyone in your care to get vaccinated against the flu now.
DHSS’ Tackle the Flu tools and materials are available for your use in educating patients on the importance of vaccinating against the flu. These resources include band aids, coloring pages, posters, tip card, fact sheet and informational sheets on indentifying influenza vaccine and dosage recommendations for children. They are available to you at no cost and can be ordered at health.mo.gov/immunizations or by calling 573.751.6124.
Resources
- health.mo.gov/immunizations
- www.health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/influenza
- www.health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/med/seasonal.php
- www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/
- www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
For more resources, check out the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program's previous article: "Flu Season is Around the Corner".