Target vaccine to high-risk patients

Elderly, immune compromised may fall to flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines those at high risk for complications from influenza as the following groups:¹

• persons ages > 65;

• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions;

• children and adults who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma;

• children and adults who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (e.g., caused by medications or human immunodeficiency virus);

• persons ages 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye’s syndrome after influenza;

• women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

Reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notice to readers: Updated recommendations from the advisory committee on immunization practices in response to delays in supply of influenza vaccine for the 2000-01 season. MMWR 2000; 49:888-892.