Flu vaccines distributed; all youths urged to get doses

Plenty of flu vaccine is available this season, and for the first time health experts are urging that all children up to age 18 receive it.

Clark County medical clinics and pharmacies began offering flu shots last week to all people — elderly, disabled, adults and children.

Unlike in previous years, enough vaccine is available for children younger than 19. Last year, children aged 6 months to 4 years — those more prone to complications — were given first priority.

Youngsters often spread the flu more quickly because they’re in close contact with others at school or in day care, and then bring the virus home to adults and elderly relatives, said Marni Storey, manager of the Clark County Department of Public Health services.

“It’s a new recommendation. Kids with diseases, such as asthma, or kids living with people with chronic illnesses, used to be the ones recommended,” Storey said. “(But) there’s more availability now.”

This year, the state Department of Health ordered 435,000 doses — 32,860 doses went to Clark and Skamania counties. This supply includes flu shots and a small supply of nasal spray vaccine, an option for anyone between the ages of 2 and 49.

Besides kids, those most prone to contracting the virus include pregnant women, elderly, people with chronic medical conditions and health care workers commonly exposed to the virus.

Still, Clark County Health officer Dr. Alan Melnick said, everybody is susceptible to contracting influenza, which can be fatal.

“My belief is that everybody should receive the vaccine,” Melnick said. “Even if you’re not in the ‘at-risk group,’ you’re still at risk for complications.”

Complications of influenza, which is marked by high fever, headache, fatigue and nausea, include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and dehydration. Worse, the virus can result in congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

Each year, about 36,000 people in the United States die from flu-related illnesses.

State health officials say immunization rates are the lowest among infants and toddlers, at 16 percent. In contrast, 74 percent of adults older than 65 are vaccinated.

This year, flu shots cost between $25 and $40 for people without insurance. Besides medical clinics, most pharmacies, including Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Rite Aid, Safeway and Walgreens, carry the vaccine.

Some Clark County clinics have launched campaigns to reach others outside their usual clientele. The Vancouver Clinic’s six offices are offering Saturday flu shot clinics at varying locations until Nov. 15, not including Oct. 25.

You don’t need an appointment; just show up and pay, said Wendy Lehner, the clinic’s director of medical affairs.