Production problems in some manufacturing plants have delayed the availability of this year's influenza vaccine and may substantially limit the total supply throughout the country. As of September 25, Strong Memorial Hospital does not have any influenza vaccine on hand, and we may not receive vaccine until late October or November. The total number of doses that will be available to us remains uncertain.

Vaccination of our patients and staff must be delayed until vaccine becomes available. It will be important to prioritize immunization as vaccine is obtained. Persons at high risk for serious complications of influenza should receive top priority, followed by those who provide their care.

We recommend that patients and personnel in the higher-risk group receive vaccine first. This includes individuals age 65 or older, people of any age with chronic diseases, residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities, pregnant women in the second or third trimester during flu season, and health care personnel with direct patient contact. Vaccination of healthy persons under age 65 should be delayed until additional supplies of vaccine become available. Vaccination in November through February will still be beneficial, as long as influenza activity persists in the community. Influenza season often peaks between January and March.

Immunization of hospital personnel is extremely important in preventing transmission of influenza to our patients. The SMH employee immunization program will be scheduled depending on the availability of influenza vaccine, giving top priority to those staff having direct patient contact.

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