The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is issuing the following statement concerning Flu vaccinations.  

During a recent local TV news story, information was provided  concerning the flu vaccinations and effectiveness.

From a public health position, the information was not accurate.  There are no recommendations for a “booster” vaccination for this season’s flu shot.  CDC and most of the major medical associations urge a single adult dose of flu vaccine each flu season.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does recommend the following:  Children receive influenza vaccinations by the end of October, if possible. Children who need two doses (those 6 months through 8 years, who have not previously been fully vaccinated) should receive the first vaccine early in the season for optimal protection.

In addition there are no new recommendations or advisory’s in regards to the flu vaccination wearing off in about three months.

CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later.

CDC and most public health agencies encourage flu vaccinations as soon as the vaccine is available in the community.

Different strains of flu virus will circulate during the flu seasons.  Usually we see an increase in A virus and then later in the flu season we see an increase of B virus.  The vaccine is developed to address both A & B virus, that are anticipated to be occurring in the community.

Encouraging individuals to seek a “second” flu vaccination or to “wait” until the disease is at an elevated level in the community is extremely risky from a public health view.

For more information call the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682 or visit CDC’s Flu page at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.