Several Area Locations Are Offering Flu Shots

Oct 08, 03:05 AM

Current Headlines: By Karen Shideler, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Oct. 8--Right around Christmas last year, people started getting sick.

By the beginning of February, it seemed as if everyone was.

Health professionals are hoping for a different scenario this year, and they're encouraging people to get flu shots to help head off winter illness.

There should be plenty of vaccine to go around.

Clinics that in previous years struggled to get any vaccine already have theirs. Some are giving shots; others will be before the month is out. The Sedgwick County Health Department will start giving shots on Tuesday and will have its annual drive-through clinic on Saturday.

A record 130 million doses of flu vaccine are expected to be available this year. But if 2006 was any indication -- when more than 17 million doses went unsold -- much of the 2007 vaccine will be left over.

Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that about three-quarters of Kansans 65 or older get flu shots. But fewer than a third of those between 18 and 49 and at high risk of complications are vaccinated. About 40 percent of Kansans age 50 to 64 get shots.

Flu shots need to be given every year because the virus strains change from year to year and because the protection lasts only a few months.

Flu season can begin as early as October and continue through May, though in Kansas flu typically hits hardest in January and February. This year's vaccine protects against the A-Solomon Islands, A-Wisconsin and B-Malaysia strains.

Flu shots are recommended for anyone who doesn't want to get influenza. Flu symptoms include a high fever, aches, chills and severe respiratory symptoms.

The shots are especially recommended for those who would suffer most from flu's complications, which can include pneumonia and other problems. That includes people ages 65 and older; those 50 to 64 because they're often juggling work and caregiving; younger people who have chronic diseases such as diabetes or asthma; pregnant women; and children 6 months to 5 years old.

Reach Karen Shideler at 316-268-6674 or kshideler@wichitaeagle.com [mailto:kshideler@wichitaeagle.com].

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