Extension of Influenza Season and Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Order in San Bernardino County Due to elevated and widespread influenza activity within San Bernardino County and surrounding areas, Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer, has ordered an extension of the influenza season period to the newly defined date of April 30, 2019. Influenza activity is widespread throughout California and Statewide outpatient Influenza-like illness (ILI) hospitalizations remain above the expected levels. Although A(H1N1) viruses continue to circulate and remain predominant for the season overall, influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been identified more frequently than A(H1N1) viruses in recent weeks. In the past, A(H3N2) virus-predominant influenza seasons have ... April 2, 2019 General Communicable Disease, Vaccinations, Influenza 0 0 Comment Read More »
It's not too late to get a flu shot With widespread influenza activity in California, physicians are encouraged to remind patients that it’s not too late to get their flu shot. Although influenza season usually peaks between December and February, flu activity can occur as late as May. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to respond fully. Vaccine effectiveness does vary for the different strains and year by year. Vaccination will still prevent infection in a large number of cases. If disease does occur after vaccination, the vaccine can reduce the severity of flu symptoms. An ... January 30, 2018 General Flu, Immunization, Influenza, Public Health, Vaccination 0 0 Comment Read More »
Public Health Officer urges county residents to get the flu shot The Public Health Officer is strongly encouraging County residents to get the flu shot. Initial influenza reports have sharply increased nearly 300% in the last week, going from 38 reports to 150 reports. Within the last two weeks, the County has also confirmed three (3) flu-related deaths. “These deaths are a reminder that the flu can be serious and sometimes deadly,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer. “Flu shots are the most effective protection from the flu, and it’s not too late to get one.” In light of the recent sharp ... January 9, 2018 General, Press Releases Flu Shots, Influenza, Vaccinations 0 0 Comment Read More »
Talk to your patients about the flu shot With flu activity increasing and people planning gatherings for the holidays, now is the perfect time to talk to your patients about getting their flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. This season, however, CDC recommends only the flu shot (not the nasal spray vaccine). While seasonal flu activity varies, flu activity usually peaks between December and February, though activity can last as late as May. As long as flu activity is ... December 13, 2016 General Immunization, Influenza, Public Health, Vaccination, Flu 0 0 Comment Read More »
San Diego flu summit to discuss strategies for maximizing flu vaccine rate Mark your calendars for the 12th Kick the Flu Summit, on September 7, 2016, in San Diego. The summit, hosted by the San Diego Immunization Coalition, will convene medical, health and community service providers from both public and private sectors to share information, collaborate and strategize about how to promote and increase the rate of flu immunizations during the 2016-17 influenza season. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the San Diego Central Library. This year’s summit features keynote speaker Bill Atkinson, M.D., MPH, Associate ... August 25, 2016 General Immunization, Influenza, Public Health, Vaccination, Flu 0 0 Comment Read More »
Two flu deaths confirmed by CDPH The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) last week confirmed the season's first two flu-related deaths in California—one an infant less than six months old. The deaths serve as another somber reminder that influenza can cause serious illness or death. Influenza viruses circulate at their peak levels from December to April, according to CDPH, which is urging people to get vaccinated before the flu spreads widely. “As California’s public health officer, I am saddened when the flu turns into loss of life,” said State Public Health Officer Karen Smith, M.D. “It ... November 20, 2015 General Flu, Influenza, Public Health, Department of Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
CDC encourages antiviral treatment for influenza With a poorly matched influenza vaccine and influenza activity high across much of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging physicians to prescribe antiviral drugs to patients who are very ill with flu-like symptoms, particularly those over age 65 and those at high risk of complications from the virus. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), flu activity in California is beginning to increase. The first influenza death in the state of a person under the age of 65 for the 2014-2015 season ... January 22, 2015 General Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flu, Influenza, Public Health, CDC 0 0 Comment Read More »
Mandatory flu vaccination in all licensed health care facilities in San Bernardino County Health Advisory Date: September 18, 2014 To: All Licensed Health Care Facilities in San Bernardino County From: Maxwell Ohikhuare, MD, Health Officer Subject: Health Officer Order Regarding Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers Influenza season will begin in the fall. In your roles as leaders in healthcare and mine as the County Health Officer, I know that we share common goals: Minimizing the spread of Communicable Disease like influenza Providing excellent healthcare for our community and Keeping our healthcare workforce healthy The best way ... September 25, 2014 General Immunizations, Influenza, Public Health, Vaccines 0 0 Comment Read More »
