Elderly, High-Risk People Urged to Get Flu Vaccine; Healthy Urged to Wait

Supplies of flu vaccine this year will be adequate to meet demand, but because deliveries are running late, healthy people are being asked to postpone their shots so the elderly and other high-risk groups can be vaccinated first. Nancy Cox of the CDC said Tuesday that 79 million doses of vaccine -- 4 million more than last year -- will be available. Those who should get vaccinated first are: people age 65 and older; residents of nursing homes and facilities for the chronically ill; children and adults with chronic heart or lung disorders, such as asthma; children and adults who need regular medical care due to chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and immune suppression; people age six months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy; pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during flu season; and health care workers.

Back to other CDC news for October 17, 2001

Previous Updates