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Nasal spray an alternative to too few flu shots |
Public health department and Safeway stores have
limited quantities of FluMist on hand for a specific population |
By
Andrea Olson, Newberg Graphic intern
E-mail Andrea at
aolson@eaglenewspapers.com
|
There’s new hope on the horizon for those
seeking flu immunization this year and it comes in the form of a
spray.
FluMist, a nasal spray, is an alternative to the flu vaccine that
is being made increasingly available throughout Oregon and in
Yamhill County. While the spray will not completely make up for this
year’s vaccine shortage, it will insure that more people are
protected against the virus that killed 30 to 40 million people
worldwide less than a century ago.
The spray will be used to immunize healthcare workers and those
working with children under the age of 6 months, as well as healthy
persons between the ages of 5 and 49.
Sarah Bates, health educator with Yamhill County Public Health,
said more of the spray would be available through the county soon.
The county had originally requested 100 doses of FluMist. On Monday,
following an announcement from the Oregon Department of Human
Services encouraging the use of the spray, the county requested an
additional 200 doses.
“We’re not counting all our eggs until we actually get the FluMist,”
Bates said.
The nasal spray was available for the first time last year as an
alternative to the flu shot. Unlike the shot, the spray contains a
small amount of live, though weakened, influenza virus; for this
reason, the spray is not recommended for those with vulnerable
immune systems. Pregnant women, those over age 65, children between
6 and 23 months and those with chronic illnesses are still
encouraged to get the injected vaccine, which contains dead viral
particles.
Beyond the perk of being needle-free, the spray can be generated
more quickly than the injected vaccine and so may become
increasingly available and utilized as the flu season progresses.
FluMist is available in limited quantities at Safeway in Newberg as
well as at Yamhill County Public Health, 412 N.E. Ford St.,
McMinnville. Those seeking more information or immunization can
contact the county public health department at 1-503-434-7375. |
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From
Nov. 3, 2004,
Newberg Graphic
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