The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the first FluView report of the 2011-2012 flu season, indicating activity is currently low.
By the end of September, according to the CDC, more than 110 million doses of vaccine were delivered. Projections by manufacturers indicate another 56 to 63 million will be produced, establishing a new national record. The combination of these two factors represents an opportunity for citizens to get vaccinated now, the organization indicated.
"It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body′s immune response to fully kick in," said CDC's Chief of Influenza Epidemiology and Prevention, Joe Bresee. He noted early vaccination improves the odds of being prepared when flu season begins in a community.
According to Bresee, this season's vaccine should be well-matched against the current strains of influenza, providing good protection against the illness and helping to minimize complications. He indicated the CDC expects currently low influenza-related hospitalizations, illness and deaths to increase within a few weeks as the season picks up.
The CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months receive a vaccine annually. Some employers pursue influenza vaccination programs to encourage their employees, in order to avoid negative consequences on employee health and productivity.
