As the 2011-2012 flu season approaches, the NC Division of Public Health (DPH) is offering some facts that physicians may wish to share with staff and patients:

• The 2011-2012 trivalent season flu vaccine will include pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus. That’s the same virus used in the 2009 H1N1 monovalet vaccine.
• The CDC recommends universal flu vaccination. Everyone six months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine.
• Health care personnel are particularly encouraged to receive flu vaccine, not only to protect themselves from the disease, but also to help prevent transmission of the flu to patients, co-workers, family members and others.

A higher dose formulation of an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) for use in people age 65 years and older is available. Fluzone High-Dose contains four times the amount of influenza antigen compared to other inactivated seasonal influenza vaccines. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not expressed a preference for Fluzone High-Dose or any other licensed inactivated influenza vaccine for use in people age 65 and older.

Please, this flu season: protect yourself, protect your patients, protect your family–Get your flu vaccine.