Ordering Ahead For Flu Season Ensures Adequate Influenza Vaccine Supply

By Author: L. Cowan
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For the general public, fighting seasonal flu begins with getting a flu shot, but for healthcare providers, step one is ordering enough influenza vaccine. Providers typically place flu vaccine orders in the spring and early summer, well in advance of flu season.

For the general public, fighting seasonal flu begins with getting a flu shot, but for healthcare providers, step one is ordering enough influenza vaccine. Providers typically place flu vaccine orders in the spring and early summer, well in advance of flu season. The challenge is predicting how much vaccine to order. Part of the problem is that flu is very unpredictable; if you assume the flu season will be mild and you don’t order enough influenza vaccine, you could be left in short supply should a flu epidemic strike. On the other hand, no one wants to order too much vaccine only to dispose of it when flu season is over.

The importance of influenza vaccine

Flu season typically lasts from October through January, but during severe outbreaks it can last well into early spring. During 2013 flu season was one of the most severe in over a decade, ...
... and many people scrambled to get flu shots that were no longer available.

Even though most people are aware of the need for an annual influenza vaccine, many still avoid getting vaccinated, thinking the flu is “no big deal.” What many may not realize is that flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications like pneumonia; even very healthy people who rarely get sick can succumb to the flu virus and become seriously ill. That’s why it’s so important for healthcare providers to order adequate supplies of flu vaccine early in the season.

Overcoming the myths about flu vaccine.

Public health experts agree that getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu virus. In fact, public health experts have long spread the message about the safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. While it is true that in past flu seasons, there has been confusion about who should get a flu shot. Not anymore. Expanded flu vaccination guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge everyone ages six months and older to get a flu vaccine. The reason is simple: Flu vaccine saves lives
.
There are many people who fall into what is called “high risk” categories when it comes to influenza complications. People 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, young children, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic lung disease, neurological problems, or individuals with a compromised immune system are all at high-risk for catching the flu and are strongly encouraged to schedule an annual flu vaccine. Now there is even a high-dose flu vaccine formulated for those aged 65 and older to keep this vulnerable group well and protected.

Each year the flu kills more people than all vaccine-preventable diseases combined. The easiest and most effective way to combat that statistic is to get vaccinated. Doing so can protect you, your loved ones, and your entire community from the flu. Call your healthcare provider and encourage them to order influenza vaccine now, before flu season is in full swing.
Resource: http://www.fffenterprises.com/Products/InfluenzaVaccine.aspx