By Sara Mizushima
Phyllis could be the poster child for disaster preparedness. Every hurricane season, her cupboards are stocked with bottled water, SPAM, flashlights, batteries and a first-aid kit. But, there was one time of year she was never ready for: flu season. “It seemed like I was getting sick every flu season. I had no resistance,” says Phyllis.
When her daughter became pregnant, Phyllis agreed to watch the baby when her daughter returned to work. Phyllis knew then that she needed to get a flu shot. Since HMSA was offering flu shots at no cost to their members at Seniors’ Fair, she made it a priority to go. “It was the best thing I ever did, she says. “It was so easy.”
What is not as simple is producing an effective flu shot. Since flu strains are always changing, it is hard to pinpoint which strains will be circulating by the time the flu shots are produced and administered.
To help, a viral surveillance (much like a storm watch) occurs annually around the world, including Hawaii. Currently, 122 national influenza centers in 94 countries track influenza-related illnesses, detect which viruses are circulating, and measure their impact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centers for Reference and Research on Influenza then reviews and analyzes all the information. In February, about eight months before the flu season hits the northern hemisphere, WHO then forecasts which viruses are more likely to strike hardest and recommends three virus strains to be included in the new flu vaccine.
As soon as the recommendation is issued, private-sector manufacturers begin producing the vaccine. Since it takes at least six months to produce large quantities of the vaccine, some companies start even earlier, based on which strains they think will be selected. Because the virus is grown in chicken eggs, people who are allergic to them should not receive the flu shot. Also, the flu shot is not recommended for those with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome or for babies less than 6 months old.
In the U.S., upon receiving the recommendation from WHO, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee then makes the final decision on exactly which strains will be included in the new flu shot.
In previous years, the virus strains in the vaccine were well matched to the circulating viruses, making the flu shot very effective. But, last flu season, two of the three vaccine strains did not match what was going around. To prevent that from happening again, the FDA revamped this year’s vaccine with three completely new virus strains that are expected to provide better protection.
Depending on your overall health and the length and intensity of the flu season, the flu shot can be 70 percent to 90 percent effective. Even if the vaccine strains do not match perfectly, the vaccine still offers some protection by lessening the illness’ severity and complications. So, it is essential that you arm yourself during the flu season with a flu shot.
And you don't have to stock up on canned goods or batteries.
Visit hmsa.com for a list of HMSA flu shot clinics.
