Swine flu vaccination recommendations from CDC
The CDC's Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met in emergency session last
week,
issued its recommendations, and set some priorities on who should be
vaccinated against
swine flu.
The priority groups include:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for
children younger than six months of age
- Health-care and emergency services
personnel
- Persons between the ages of six months
and 24 years
- People aged 25-64 years who are at
higher risk for swine flu because of chronic health disorders or compromised
immune systems
Together, these groups represent approximately half the U.S. population (159
million people).
In the event of a vaccine shortage, the priority groups will be the first three
listed above plus all children aged six months through four years as well as
children aged 5-18 years who have chronic medical conditions.
Once demand for priority groups has been met, communities should vaccinate
everyone aged 25-64 years. Once these younger age groups have been taken care
of, individuals over age 65 should have the opportunity to be vaccinated (to
date, seniors have had a lower risk of being infected with swine flu).
