Immunization Program

Date: September 16, 2005
To: All healthcare providers
Re: Priority groups for influenza vaccination

To ensure that those who are at highest risk of complications from influenza have access to vaccine this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that only people in certain priority groups receive inactivated influenza vaccine (i.e., “flu shot”) until October 24, 2005:

• All children ages 6-23 months
• Adults aged 65 years and older
• Persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions (this includes heart and lung disease, asthma, and diabetes)
• All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
• Health care workers involved in direct patient care
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children 6 months and younger

Beginning October 24, 2005, all persons can get a flu shot depending upon availability ofvaccine. Although four manufacturers still expect to supply vaccine to the US, this recommendation reflects continued uncertainties regarding the total amount of vaccine that will be available, as well as the timing and distribution of the doses. The Rhode Island Department of Health will notify you when t he supply is sufficient to move from immunizing only those in the above listed priority groups. The Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition has scheduled over three hundred public clinics starting early in October. Childhood Vaccine distribution is on schedule with sufficient supply to offer vaccine to all children through age 18.

Vaccination with the live nasal-spray flu vaccine (Flumist®) is always an option for healthy persons ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine is not subject to prioritization and can be given to healthy 5-49 year olds at any time.

Refer to the Rhode Island Department of Health website at www.health.ri.gov for supply updates, surveillance reports, and additional CDC information. For more information you can also visit:

MMWR Update: Influenza Vaccine Supply and Recommendations for Prioritization During the 2005--06 Influenza Season , September 2, 2005

Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) MMWR July 29, 2005 / 54(RR08);1-40

Rhode Island Department of Health
2005-2006 Influenza Vaccine Guidelines
Only people in one of the following priority groups are eligible to get a flu shot until October 24, 2005:

Beginning October 24, 2005, all persons can get a flu shot depending upon availability ofvaccine.

Vaccination with the live nasal-spray flu vaccine (Flumist®) is always an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine is not subject to prioritization and can be given to healthy 5-49 year olds at any time.