COLUMBUS – Flu season has begun in central Ohio and health officials are encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccinations as supplies of one popular type of vaccine are tight.
“Early data shows that influenza is already in central Ohio, so it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones as soon as possible,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long.
Laboratory data and hospitalizations indicate that Columbus residents are already being affected by flu, Long says.
Both the injectable and FluMist nasal spray are highly effective and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend one over the other, but Long cautions that the mist may not be available to everyone right away.
“FluMist is delayed and may be in short supply which is a challenge because many young people have become accustomed to getting it instead of a shot. But, it’s very important to go ahead and get a flu shot now instead of waiting,” she said.
Long says the manufacturer has only been able to deliver 30 percent of the overall order to private and public providers in central Ohio so some facilities will have very limited supplies and some may not have any at all. But Long says the company estimates supplies to be at about 60 percent by the end of the year.
Parents in the Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley and Olentangy Local School districts in Delaware County were told that, due to the nasal mist shortage, only elementary students would receive it at the district clinics and they could take their children’s names off the vaccine list, but, with enough supply, the Delaware General Health District says parents who removed their child from the flu clinic list can put them back on it to get the nasal spray, said Public Information Officer Traci Whittaker.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine, especially people who are at high risk of serious complications, such as pregnant women, children under five and people older than 65, and anyone with asthma, diabetes, lung disease and other chronic conditions. publichealth.columbus.gov