by Sandra Douglas

Created on: October 13, 2010

The new flu season is upon us and with it, the new guidelines for flu vaccine have been released. Each year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) releases a new set of guidelines for vaccinations. Some may wonder why the guidelines for flu vaccine change. Was there something wrong with last year’s guidelines that needed correcting? Rest assured, a change in vaccine guidelines is a routine part of the annual release of vaccine.

Influenza, or seasonal flu, is a moving target when it comes to developing the flu vaccine to protect against it. Each year, the virus mutates or changes in some way that makes last year’s vaccine ineffective against this year’s flu. Vaccine manufacturers stay ahead of the flu season by developing new vaccines each year that will fight the newest strain of flu.

The new guidelines for 2010-2011 illustrate the need for new guidelines each year. In 2009, the world had a double dose of the flu and double flu shots to go along with it; one flu shot for the seasonal flu and a second flu shot to protect against the H1N1 flu. The flu vaccine for 2010-2011was developed to protect against both seasonal flu and H1N1, so only one flu shot is needed. New flu vaccine guidelines are an effective way to communicate the changes in the flu vaccine from one year to the next.

When new types of flu vaccine are made available, the guidelines give specific instructions on who is appropriate for the new vaccine. For example, those 65 and older have a new option available in 2010 called Fluzone High-Dose. A new vaccine, Agriflu, has been approved in 2010 for those age 18 and over. Afluria is now available for use in those 9 years of age and older. Afluria may be used in high-risk children age 5 through 8, but only if all other age-appropriate alternatives are unavailable. The annual guidelines released each year are essential for health care workers to give the vaccine appropriately. Concerned consumers are also encouraged to access the guidelines online.

The CDC targets specific high risk groups for flu vaccination each year, groups such as people with chronic illnesses that are at greater risk of complications from the flu, pregnant women, children younger than 5, and health care workers, plus many more, and the list may change from year to year. Flu manufacturers work with the CDC to ensure that there is ample supply to vaccinate everyone recommended to get the flu vaccine.

Each year, the CDC develops a new set of vaccine guidelines to advise health care workers and the general public on topics such as:

Who should have the vaccine How many doses are needed When to begin vaccinating patients Changes made in the manufacturer of the vaccine Alerts on the availability of vaccine Any other points of concern

In addition, weekly updates are published regarding availability and the number of doses released by manufacturers.

For specific information and guidelines on flu and other vaccines, visit www.flu.gov or www.cdc.gov/flu.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Douglas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.