Everyone knows that the United States will receive only 50 percent of the expected flu vaccine this year, and South Carolina is experiencing the same shortage. This shortage is a concern because in “bad” flu years, mortality has been as high as 30,000. The flu can be deadly and vaccines are one of the best ways to avoid the flu. However, vaccines aren't the only way to avoid it. And, sometimes, the flu vaccine is not particularly effective against the flu of the year.

A good bit of guess work goes into deciding which vaccine to make in anticipation of the next flu virus. So far, and it is very early, the flu has been very sporadic and not concentrated anywhere in this country. Flu cases have not been reported in South Carolina.

Who is Vulnerable

This column is on healthy aging, and each year we recommend that people over 65 get the flu vaccine. This year, because of the problem with vaccine supply, it is absolutely essential that physicians and others make sure that the limited supply of vaccine go to those most vulnerable. The Center for Communicable Disease (CDC) in Atlanta has published the table below to determine who should first get the vaccine.

People over 65 should get the vaccine. If you are very fit, you are in less need than someone who is frail. 

How to Get the Vaccine

Doctors who are in general medical practice should get supplies. The supply is being controlled by the CDC and the state departments of health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is working with the remaining manufacturer of injectable flu vaccine to allocate 22.4 million doses of flu vaccine across the nation. The Health Departments in Charleston are taking appointments for patients wanting to receive the flu vaccine. For up-to-the-minute flu vaccine stock, they should be contacted. In addition, some area pharmacies have scheduled flu vaccine clinics.

Why Tempt Fate – What Can You Do?

This column is about living a long and healthy life. You can do many things to minimize acquiring the flu.

•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
•  If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent spread of your illness to others.
•  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
•  Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Call the doctor at the first sign of flu — a sudden high fever, often with chills and muscle aches. Antiviral medications can reduce the severity, but need to be started in the first 48 hours of symptoms.

There is an unfortunate irony this year with regard to the flu vaccine. Usually it is an uphill battle to get people immunized who should be. This year, with the limited supply, (in part because the market is never reliable due to the unpredictable immunization rate) everyone wants to be immunized. Since 100 percent immunization is impossible, do your part to conserve the flu vaccine for people who need it most.