Oct 17, 2008 7:23 pm US/Eastern
CDC Expands Ages Urged To Get Flu Shots
MINNEAPOLIS (CBS) ―
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The goal for the Centers for Disease Control this year is for 261 million people to get vaccinated.
CBS
The flu shot will be more effective than it was last year when it failed to knock out the right strains of the virus, according to officials with the Centers for Disease Control. The group has redefined the age groups it says need the shot.
Instead of recommending children 6 months to 5 years old get the shot, as they have in years past, the CDC is now pushing for kids 6 months to 18 years old to be vaccinated. The CDC hopes to vaccinate 261 million people this year.
"Typically we see more adults in urgent care come in with the flu," said Park Nicollet Nurse Supervisor Tammy Stacey. "I would say more between the ages of 20 and probably 50."
Stacey says it's the same group that typically doesn't get a flu shot, which is why it is important to widen the audience who receives it.
For Jeremiah Whitten, who has an 11-year-old son, the flu shot has been mandatory every year.
"I remember one year several years ago when there was a shortage. I drove with my son to four or five different places to try to get in," said Whitten.
"It's not just that they get it, they can transmit it to others, and they're all over the place," Whitten continued. "Let's face it; 11-year-old boys don't have the best personal hygiene. I think it's a great idea," he said.
Stacey said the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency has lowered its price from $35 to $28 to help more people afford their flu shot.
Many insurance companies are also covering the entire cost of the shot.
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