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CDC/Aventis Pasteur Collaborate To Ship More Than 2 Million Doses of Influenza Vaccine to Providers Who Serve High-Priority GroupsMore than 2 million doses of influenza vaccine were shipped this week by Aventis Pasteur to health care providers throughout the country who serve the high-priority groups recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to receive influenza vaccine during the 2004-2005 season. After pairing CDC information on geographic locations of high-priority risk groups and Aventis Pasteur US information on providers scheduled to receive vaccine for the high-risk populations, this round of influenza vaccine went to:
More doses of vaccine will be going out over the next 6-7 weeks so there will be more opportunity for those who need the vaccine to get it in time for this years influenza season, said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. This shortage is frightening to people and theyre rushing out and standing in long lines thinking they need the vaccine right now before its all gone. We want them to know that more is coming, so as hard as it may be, please try and be patient and check with your provider ahead of time for availability of vaccine in your area. To ensure that providers who ordered vaccine from Chiron this year get also get some of the vaccine they need for priority populations, CDC and Aventis are taking these actions:
For the 2004-2005 influenza season, Aventis Pasteur produced 55.4 million doses of vaccine. Before the Chiron announcement on October 5, 2004, approximately 33 million doses had already been shipped to pediatricians, primary care and other office-based physicians, as well as to public health providers. On October 5, 2004, CDC announced priority groups for vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine for the 2004-2005 influenza season:
Influenza season typically peaks in the United States between December and March. Because each season is unpredictable, its not known how severe the 2004-2005 season might be. Although vaccination is the best protection against influenza, everyone can take practical steps to help prevent spread of flu, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick and keeping your distance from others if youre sick; when possible, staying home from work, school, and errands when you are sick; covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning your hands often. For more information about the flu and this years recommendations, visit the CDC Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu. |
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Contact Us This page last updated October 15, 2004 United
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