FLU SHOT REACTION

After announcing that flu season is coming up, and flu vaccinations are so important to combat influenza, now the British manufacturer, Chiron Corporation, has had to halt production of it`s flu vaccine. This has caused some concern for patients and medical professionals here in the United States. Dr. Michael Ramsey, a Pediatrician at Dothan Pediatrics Clinic says, their flu vaccine supply has been cut in half causing major inconvenience to escape the bug. Dr. Ramsey said for example, they were going to include infants 6 months to 2 years old so they had anticipated increasing the supply, but half of that supply has been cut due to production shortages overseas, so the United States is going to be short over 450 million doses of flu vaccine. Dr. Ramsey says the public shouldn`t worry because of the shortage, but for some residents that`s hard to do. Infants under the age of two, the elderly and those suffering with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk for contracting the virus with over 30,000 to die each year; but can the vaccine protect you one hundred percent...and what should you do to prevent an attack? The vaccine is about 80% effective, and those who get the flu after, have a much milder case, but things you would do for any illness, like hand washing, staying home, limit exposure to daycares are some precautions to take. Doctors think washing hands is best...thats what doctors do...would be a big impact on the health of our community. Flu season lasts from November through March, and experts say it typically peeks in January, so if you`re planning on getting vaccinated, now is the time.