CDC urges flu vaccination for all, especially pregnant women

Recommendations for nonpregnant women
The CDC continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination for all persons ages 6 months or older. Among healthy younger adults, seasonal influenza is typically less acute and results less often in hospitalization, as compared with children aged <5 years, adults aged ≥65 years, pregnant women, or persons with chronic medical conditions. The flu is a significant reason for outpatient medical visits and worker absenteeism among healthy adults aged 19 through 49 years.¹

For specific guidelines, visit the CDC’s “Influenza Vaccination: A Summary for Clinicians” at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vax-summary.htm.

What can you, as a physician, do?
Health-care professionals are critical to the vaccination program and need to lead by example. “If you are around people at high risk for flu complications, you need to get vaccinated,” said Anne Schuchat, MD, Assistant Surgeon General, US Publish Health Service, and Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC.²

The CDC reported that 72% of health-care personal received a vaccination in 2012–2013. Physicians had the highest coverage at 92.3%.²

“Patients also look to you,” said Dr. Schuchat. “Data show that a personal recommendation makes a big difference to patients.”²

For example, pregnant women whose physicians recommend flu vaccination are five times more likely to get vaccinated. Dr. Schuchat also reminded healthcare professionals that they should begin vaccinating patients as soon as vaccine is available in their area.