Influenza vaccination still beneficial in winter

State health officials remind Hoosiers that influenza vaccinations will be available throughout the winter months. Despite recent delays in injectable vaccines, health officials say there is still plenty of time to receive a vaccination and be protected from influenza, or "the flu."

"October or November is the best time to get vaccinated," said State Health Commissioner Judith A. Monroe, M.D. "But getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years."

Health officials say a total of 115 million doses of influenza vaccine are projected to be available in the United States for the 2006-2007 influenza season. There has been a delay in the availability of the injectable flu vaccine.

"The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting the flu vaccine, either by receiving shot or by nasal spray," said Dr. Monroe.

FluMist is a nasal spray that provides protection against influenza and is available for people between five and 49 years of age. It is an easy way to get immunized against influenza for people who do not want the traditional flu shot.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.

Every year in the United States, on average:

* 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;

* more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;

* about 36,000 people die from the flu.

It is especially important for those at high risk for complications from the flu to receive the vaccine, including children aged 6 to 59 months, pregnant women, people age 50 and older, nursing home and longterm care facility residents, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.