Posted on: February 8, 2011

FDA and CDC have recently become aware of an increased number of reports to VAERS of febrile seizures in the United States after vaccination with Fluzone®, a 2010-11 influenza trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur.

The reported febrile seizures have primarily been seen in children younger than 2 years of age. Fluzone® is the only product that is both licensed and recommended for children aged 6-23 months in the United States this influenza season.

Information regarding VAERS reports, monitoring for febrile seizures, Influenza vaccination recommendations, Influenza vaccine safety and actions taken by the FDA and CDC can be found here.

Febrile Seizures with Fluzone Vaccination: Key Points (.pdf)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Fluzone Vaccine Safety, FDA
• Analysis of Febrile Seizure Data, VAERS
• Frequently Asked Questions about Febrile Seizures, CDC
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Seasonal Influenza 2010-2011 Administration Flow Chart (.pdf)

This flu season it is recommended that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as vaccine is available. While flu is unpredictable, it’s likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this flu season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.

This flow chart provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the 2010-2011 flu recommendations for children who may or may not have received the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic flu vaccine and/or the 2009 seasonal flu shots. Providers who are unsure about how many doses a patient should receive can follow the chart to determine how many is appropriate. This document can be viewed and printed for easy reference.[...more]

IDPH, Dr. Damon Arnold’s Influenza Update for Providers (.pdf)

After decades of incrementally expanding indications, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) voted earlier this year to recommend universal influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older. Because all people age 6 months and older are now recommended to receive annual influenza vaccination, you should take advantage of every opportunity to vaccinate. Begin vaccinating as soon as vaccine is available, and throughout the flu season.

This year’s vaccine will include the 2009 H1N1 strain as part of the regular seasonal vaccine. Studies conducted this summer showed that consumers may have safety concerns about the 2009 H1N1 strain being included in the vaccine, which can be a barrier to seeking vaccination. We rely on you to continue to emphasize that this year’s flu vaccine is made in the same way as past flu vaccines. An average of 100 million doses of influenza vaccine are used in the United States each year, and flu vaccines have an excellent safety record.

Flu Season Surveillance: Keep track of 2010-2011 influenza season activity in Illinois

Influenza Vaccine Products 2010-2011 Flu Season (.pdf)

This document provides in detail the vaccine products that will be used during the 2010-2011 Influenza season. Each vaccine is broken down by manufacturer, trade name, dosage, mercury content, age limitations and the CPT codes. The document also provides a brief explanation about administration of the vaccine.[...more]

Dr. Anne Schuchat Letter to Providers Regarding 2010-2011 Flu Season (.pdf)

As last year proved beyond a doubt, influenza can be unpredictable. Consequences of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic factored into CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) vote earlier this year to recommend universal influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older.[...more]

AAP Policy Calls for Mandatory Flu Shots for Healthcare Workers (.pdf)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a new policy statement emphasizing the need for hospitals to create and enforce mandatory flu vaccination programs for all health care workers, except those exempt for medical or religious reasons, to prevent the spread of the virus to patients. Just 40% of health workers receive a yearly flu shot, even though an 80% rate would offer the best protection in healthcare facilities.[...more]

CDPH Vaccine Orders (.pdf)

This letter from Dr. Julie Morita, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Public Health and Safety, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), outlines the VFC influenza vaccine ordering process for CDPH. Providers in the city of Chicago should note that CDPH will not control the ordering, distribution, or allocation of private stock supplies of seasonal influenza. Providers must order their non-VFC influenza vaccine supplies directly from the manufacturer or distributor.[...more]

For more information about the 2010-2011 Illinois influenza season, please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at:

http://www.idph.state.il.us/