MMS Welcomes Expansion of Flu Vaccine Guidelines
December 21, 2004
Contact:
Frank Fortin, MMS
(781) 434-7099
ffortin@mms.org
Waltham, Mass. – December 21, 2004 – The Massachusetts
Medical Society today praised the Mass. Department of Public
Health’s decision to further broaden its influenza vaccine
eligibility guidelines, as well as its move to rescind the Oct. 27
emergency order. The broadened guidelines now recommend flu vaccine for
individuals 50 and older and close contacts of high-risk
individuals.
Alan C. Woodward, M.D., president of the Massachusetts Medical
Society, said, “We commend the efforts of the DPH to get vaccine
to those who need it, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations in
Massachusetts were immunized first. We’re delighted that,
through the efforts of the CDC and DPH, the state was able to obtain as
much vaccine as had been ordered before the announcement of the
shortage.”
Dr. Woodward added, “We appreciate that the emergency powers
invoked in October have been rescinded. I commend the physicians of
Massachusetts, who carried out their duties prudently and professionally
during this difficult period, ensuring that those who were most
vulnerable were given the highest priority, and were protected
first.
“We now encourage those who are covered by the newly broadened
guidelines to get immunized. Although this year’s flu activity is
not as widespread as last year, activity is clearly increasing,”
said Dr. Woodward. He pointed out that in addition to the vaccine, a
number of simple, prudent measures are effective to prevent becoming
infected by, or transmitting, the flu.
- Practice good hygiene Wash hands often
with soap or use an alcohol, gel or hand rub, particularly if
you’ve been out or around people with colds or flu. Avoid touching
your eyes, nose, and mouth – gateways for germs into your
body.
- Practice cough and sneeze control. Cover your mouth if
you’re coughing (or sneezing), and never cough in the direction of
someone else. If you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief, cough
into your
sleeve.
- For parents (and grandparents), be prudent. Children are
among the most vulnerable to getting the flu and passing it on, so
parents (and grandparents and other caregivers) must be extra cautious.
Don’t take your children into high-risk areas, like large crowds,
where some may have colds or the flu. If your child is ill, keep him or
her home. Be cautious about holding, hugging and kissing your children
if you think you have or may be coming down with a cold or the flu. And
if you get sick, stay home from work to prevent passing the flu to
others
- Be selective in sharing. Sharing is wonderful,
but don’t share items that can spread germs and viruses, like
straws, drinking cups, glasses or bottles.
Knowledge is vital, said Dr. Woodward, and he urged individuals to
visit the websites of the Department of Public Health (www.mass.gov/dph/flu), the
Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/flu),
and the Massachusetts Medical Society (www.massmed.org), all of which have
information on the flu. DPH also has a recorded message with up-to-date
information on the flu and flu vaccine: 866-627-7968.
The Massachusetts Medical Society, with some 18,300 physicians
and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for the
patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The Society
publishes The New England Journal of Medicine, one of the
world’s leading medical journals; the Journal
Watch family of professional newsletters covering 11 specialties;
and AIDS Clinical Care. The Society is also a leader in continuing
medical education for health care professionals throughout
Massachusetts. Founded in 1781, MMS is the oldest continuously operating
medical society in the country.
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