Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: November 30, 2006

Flu Cases Expected to Increase in RI Over Next Few Weeks
Plenty of Vaccine Still Available in the State. It Is Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminded Rhode Islanders today that, even though we are still seeing very little flu-like illness in RI, the spread of this seasonal disease is predictable. As Massachusetts and Connecticut have started to report cases, we expect to see an increase in flu activity in RI over the next few weeks.

The week of November 27 through December 3 has been designated National Influenza Vaccination Week, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and HEALTH, are reminding the public about the importance of being vaccinated to prevent the flu.

"Getting the flu causes even healthy people to miss work, disrupts their lives, and has important economic consequences for society. For people who are frail or sick, getting a simple flu shot may be the difference between staying healthy and having to endure a hospital stay. This disease can even be deadly," said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of HEALTH. "Getting a flu shot is the best way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones. The good news is that it's not too late to vaccinate. This year there is plenty of flu vaccine available in the state, and getting vaccinated in December, January, or even later, will still provide significant protection against the flu," added Gifford.

According to the CDC, Rhode Island has received 405,000 doses of flu vaccine so far this season: 270,000 doses for adults, and 135,000 doses for pediatric population (27,000 of these doses were flumist). Most of this vaccine supply has already been distributed to healthcare providers. There are more doses of flu vaccine available this year than ever before, and HEALTH encourages anyone who has not been vaccinated to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

"The best course of action during National Influenza Vaccination Week is to get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated against the flu. The only thing you want to catch this holiday season is the holiday spirit, not the flu," said Health and Human Services Acting Regional Director Paul Jacobsen.

Between October 2005 and April 2006, almost 800 cases of laboratory-diagnosed influenza were reported in Rhode Island. The state reports deaths from influenza or influenza-related complications every year. Nationally, an estimated 36,000 people die from complications of the flu.

"Most people can benefit from getting the flu vaccine, but it is particularly important for children younger than 5 years of age, adults 50 and older, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or lung problems, including asthma, to be vaccinated," said Dr. Gifford. "Health care workers should also get their flu shots to better protect themselves and the people they care for," he added.

"By the end of December, we expect to have between 110 and 115 million doses of vaccine distributed across the nation. This is more vaccine than has ever been previously distributed," said Health and Human Services Acting Regional Director Paul Jacobsen.

To get a flu shot, see the schedule of available public flu clinics in Rhode Island at www.health.ri.gov, call the flu hotline at 1-800-555-7858, or call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment.