UPDATE 1/11/13:  Updated Flu Information

As of Friday January 11, 2013 the Wayland Health Department wants to inform the community that at present we DO NOT have any flu vaccine available. We have now exhausted our supply of flu vaccine.

For residents who have not received influenza vaccination:

We recommend that adults contact some of the larger department, grocery, or pharmacy chains to determine if they have vaccine available.

We recommend that families follow up with their child’s pediatrician to determine vaccine availability. Some of the area walk-in clinics will vaccinate children as well.

In addition to vaccination the following also will help to reduce the spread of influenza like illness; frequent hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer, coughing into your elbow rather than your hands, and staying home from work or school when sick.

Please feel free to contact our office on Monday January 14th at 508-358-3617 if you have remained unable to obtain a flu vaccine over the weekend. Monday January 14th, we will also send out updates in regards to flu vaccine availability and information as we hope to receive additional
guidance and support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

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Original Message posted 1/7/13:

The following message is from Wayland’s Health Department Nurse; Ruth Mori RN, BSN regarding current flu activity.

Massachusetts Flu Activity continues to increase dramatically and is much higher than what is typically seen at this time of year. Influenza-like illness (ILI) is defined by fever greater than 100F, cough and/or sore throat. The week ending December 29th showed 4.4% of out-patient visits were due to ILI as reported by MA sentinel provider sites.

National Flu Activity analyzed at CDC has found that 91% of the circulating influenza viruses are those included in the 2012-2013 flu vaccine. Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division states that “Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now”.

Recommendations to prevent and control the spread of influenza-like illness include:

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your inner elbow. Do NOT use your hands.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand gel. If you are handling food in a restaurant environment you should continue to follow proper hand washing protocols and wash hands often.
• Stay home from work or school when sick. CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

It’s not too late to vaccinate. If you have not received your yearly flu vaccine please call the Wayland Health Department at 508-358-3617 to receive a free flu vaccination.