CDC influenza activity update-physicians encouraged to continue vaccinations

     In a teleconference held January 31, 2002, by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Tim Uyeki, CDC's influenza expert stated physicians should continue to give the influenza vaccine through February. Current influenza data has indicated a slow start to the influenza season.  There has been low influenza activity, nationally, in the recent weeks, but the CDC expects an increase during the coming weeks, stating that the season has not yet peaked.

     Although the influenza season has been mild so far, physicians are still encouraged to continue to offer influenza vaccines through the month of February.  The strains of influenza currently identified are well matched to the vaccine being offered and there are least 10 million doses of vaccine available.  Unvaccinated persons can still benefit from receiving the vaccine.

The complete teleconference transcriptions can be viewed at the CDC site:  www.cdc.gov