MDA Flu Shot UPDATE

[Guest guest]

More About Flu Shots http://www.mdausa.org/news/041015flufacts.html

Because of the nationwide shortage of vaccine during the 2004-2005 flu

season, MDA wants to clarify some points about flu shots.

Q Do MDA clinics actually give flu shots?

A Some MDA clinics do have flu vaccine and can administer injections,

but many do not, especially this year. However, MDA services include the

cost of a flu shot. If you’re planning to get a flu shot outside your

MDA clinic, contact your local MDA office to coordinate payment to the

physician or clinic.

Q If people with neuromuscular diseases are at high risk from the flu,

why can’t MDA get enough flu vaccine for everyone?

A MDA is a voluntary health organization, not a health care provider,

and, as such, cannot order flu vaccine. Flu vaccine ordering is up to

each clinic, in association with the medical center where it is located.

Q Who should be vaccinated?

A In general, those with serious neuromuscular diseases, especially if

the respiratory system or heart is involved, should receive flu vaccine.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes

“persons aged 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions” among

those who should receive flu vaccine despite this year’s shortage.

However, many experts do not recommend flu vaccine to patients with

autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis or myositis, for fear of

overstimulating the immune system.

Consult your primary care provider and/or neuromuscular disease

specialist about whether or not the flu vaccine is indicated for you.

Q If the local MDA clinic isn’t offering flu shots, where can you go to

get them?

A Contact your local (city, county or state) health department for

information about flu shot clinics in your area. Most locations will

also announce flu shot clinics via radio, television and local

newspapers. Local pharmacies may also have information.

Q What about the nasal flu vaccine?

A In contrast to the injectable flu vaccine, the nasal (given by nose)

flu vaccine is a live, rather than a killed, virus. The nasal vaccine,

whose trade name is FluMist, is only approved for healthy children and

adults ages 5 to 49 years. Most people with neuromuscular disease should

probably not take the nasal vaccine, but consult your primary care

provider and/or neuromuscular disease specialist about this option.

Q Are there medications other than vaccines that can be used to prevent

the flu?

A Yes. According to the CDC, there are three antiviral medications --

amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir -- that can be used to prevent

the flu. They’re said to be 70 percent to 90 percent effective in

preventing the flu in healthy adults. See your primary care provider

and/or neuromuscular disease specialist if you think one of these drugs

is indicated for you.

Q Are there medications that can make the flu less severe?

A Four antiviral drugs -- amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir and

oseltamivir -- have been approved for use in lessening the duration and

severity of the flu. Consult your primary care provider and/or

neuromuscular disease specialist about these drugs.

Q What else can be done to prevent the flu?

A The CDC recommends the following general preventive measures:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Stay home when you are sick

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

Wash your hands often

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

For more information, please see “What Everyone Should Know About Flu

and the Flu Vaccine” on the CDC’s Web site at

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

[Guest guest]

Hello There,

I believe it is very important to get the flu shot. Some people may be

aware of a program called The Visiting Nurses Association VNA or at least in

NH. They can be very helpful and some times come to your home. Remember too

that pregnant women especially should get the flu shot as it can be dangerous to

the unborn baby. However, everyone is individual and has the right to choose

to have the shot or not.

Thank you,

Heidi