-- People 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment;
-- Women who will be pregnant anytime during the influenza season;
-- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-59 months
of age;
-- Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else in close contacts
with any of these groups at risk for influenza; and
-- Anyone wishing to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill from influenza.
In addition, the Department of Health is joining other professional health care groups in emphasizing the CDC's urging that influenza immunization for health care workers must be a top priority.
"Only around 40 percent of health care workers receive a flu shot each year," Dr. Johnson said. "It is imperative for health care workers to receive an influenza vaccination each year because unvaccinated health care workers are more likely to transmit flu to their patients and coworkers."
For more information on influenza, contact the Department of Health at 1- 877-PA-HEALTH or visit our flu shot locator at http://www.health.state.pa.us/flu .
CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman
(717) 787-1783
| SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health Copyright©2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |