Oklahoma health department reports first laboratory confirmed flu cases in

“We may have limited doses of the Fluzone high-dose vaccine for ages 65 and older”, said Elin Jones of the health department. The virus in this vaccine is so weak that it will not cause the flu in the recipient of it. But, that doesn’t mean it’s without drawbacks.

The 2015 administration of free FluMist vaccinations to thousands of county elementary school students has been canceled due to a delay in the manufacturing and shipment of the vaccine, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health and Anne Arundel County Public Schools announced Wednesday.

Last year’s flu season was particularly severe because the predominant strain was an influenza A called H3N2, which was not included in the vaccine.

Parents are being encouraged to complete consent forms to allow immunization teams to give the nasal spray flu vaccine to their children.

The organization also recommends it for adults up to age 59, but the effectiveness of the traditional vaccine verses the nasal spray one for this age group is inconclusive.

Officials say the flu shot did not protect against a mutated strain of influenza A, which was the strain that got most people sick. “The FluMist vaccination program simply could not move forward without knowing when we would receive an ample supply of the nasal spray vaccine”. “Flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu”.

The campaign urges the public to get a flu jab if eligible, heat their home to at least 18 degrees Celsius if possible and get help from a pharmacist quickly if they start to feel unwell. “That would be two or more cases”.

This year, flu season has come early.

A new study from the CDC found that 40 per cent of young children who die because of influenza have no other chronic health issues. The study recommends that sick children who are experiencing breathing problems or confusion should be brought to the hospital for medical attention.

Vehicles are then directed into one of four vaccination lanes, where health department and Anne Arundel Medical Center nurses are armed with the quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four different flu viruses. Getting vaccinated each year ensures that protection stays current.