September starts round of flu immunizations

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

The beginning of fall signals the start of flu season and those annual reminders from the state Health Department to get a flu shot.

Judy Strait-Jones, of the immunization project with the Health Department, said doses of the vaccine are arriving and no shortage is expected here.

Flu can have serious effects for people over age 65 and under age 2 and those who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes or a heart condition. "The best protection is to get a flu shot," Strait-Jones said.

The Department of Health has posted a schedule flu shot programs on its Web site. People can also call 211, the service now called Ask Aloha United Way 211, she said.

Strait-Jones said officials recommend that people get their flu shots in late September, October or November because the vaccine is most effective for about six months after it is given. "It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to kick in," she said.

Tracy Ayers, state influenza surveillance coordinator, said this vaccine includes protection against influenza b, which cropped up early this year. Nationwide, she said, 20,000 people die each year from flu or pneumonia.

During Hawai'i's last flu season, from Oct. 1, 2001 to May 18, 2002, Ayers said, there were 204 deaths attributed to flu/pneumonia.

For the past 19 years, Strait-Jones said, February has been the peak of the flu season in Hawai'i.

She said some mistakenly worry that the vaccine can make them ill.

"It's not a live vaccine," she said. "It does not contain any flu virus."