Each year 5-20% of the population get influenza (the "flu")and around 200,000 Americans are hospitalized . A large part of public health is the prevention of infectious diseases within a community. A key way to do this is through the use of vaccines such as the flu shot which has been shown to the prevent the flu for 70-90% of vaccinated individuals. The new 2010-2011 flu shot will prevent 3 strains of the flu, including H1N1. These strains are chosen based on data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the final decision is made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The influenza vaccine is distributed by private vendors such as CVS, Target and Walmart who offer clinics by walk-ins and appointment for a small fee. It is also distributed free of charge at community clinics such as the health department and the University of South Florida Student Health Services. At this particular CVS branch shown in the photo above, the flu shot is $29.99. However if insured, the cost may be much less or even free of charge. Although the flu vaccine is available to everyone, there are certain high risk groups who should always make sure that they get the vaccine (and talk to thier doctor before doing so). These groups include pregnant women, children under the age of five, adults over 50 years of age and those who may be more likely to be exposed to the virus such as health care workers.
There are some minor side effects such as soreness at injection site, low grade fever and muscle aches. These side effects are usually rare and minute considering the effectiveness of the vaccine. So go get your flu shot and stay healthy this season!
Brittany, Chelsea, Aline, Isabelle
I really enjoyed this group's presentation. Vaccines are one of the most beneficial ways public health contributes to the community. Vaccination is vital to the prevention of the spread of harmful diseases. Flu shots in particular are a cheap and easy way to protect one's self against illness. Most of us are familiar with the symptoms of the flu; fever, head and muscle aches, cough and stomach problems. The flu can keep an individual from going to work and from being a productive member of society for a little while. and spreading it to the ones around them would further disrupt society. I was also very happy that the group mentioned there would be a free flu shot day at the school. They definitly encouraged me to recieve a flu shot for myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative presentation. One of the things that public health does is to educate and take preventive actions and vaccines play a large role in protecting the public from outbreaks of all kinds of illnesses. The flu is a nasty bug, which i got last winter. Going through the 100+ temperature, sore throat, head aches, and achy body has me seriously considering getting vaccinated this year, and its great to know that places like CVS accepts insurance. Ive had some back reactions in the past to vaccinations in the past but i would gladly go through the pain for a short time rather than suffer like i did last winter.
ReplyDeleteit also takes a toll on the individual, i was out of school for about a week and a half cause i was just to sick to drive. Which also hurt me cause i fell behind and made school that much harder. i can only imagine the economic affect that the flu could have on businesses and elsewhere. I truly believe that everyone should be vaccinated, except those who are at risk.
thanks for the great presentation and very informative.
I definitely agree that vaccines are an important part of public health. Public health is all about taking proactive measures to prevent future health related illnesses and vaccines epitomize proactive medicine. Unfortunately the one and only experience I had with a flu vaccine resulted in me being sick for a week so I'm a little hesitant about getting another one in the future. Im though considering taking the plunge one of the upcoming years and getting another one and seeing how I react to this one now that I am older.
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