The MMWR Recommendations and Reports, "Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices," published on April 12, 2002, contained an inconsistency in the
recommended timing of vaccination of target groups. In the section, "Vaccination in October and November," persons at increased risk
for influenza-related complications (e.g., persons aged
>65 years and persons aged 6 months--64 years with high-risk
medical conditions) and health-care workers were recommended for vaccination in October. In addition, children aged 6 months
to <9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time need a booster dose
>1 month after the first dose and, thus, also
were recommended to be vaccinated in October or earlier. However, in the section, "Timing of Organized
Vaccination Campaigns," household contacts of persons at high risk were also included among those recommended to begin
vaccination in October, but children aged <9 years receiving vaccine for the first time were not discussed.
To clarify, vaccination of the following groups should begin in October, regardless of the setting in which a person
receives vaccination:
persons at increased risk for influenza-related complications (persons aged
>65 years, persons aged 6 months--64
years with certain medical conditions, and healthy children aged 6--23 months);*
health-care workers;
household contacts of persons at increased risk for influenza-related complications (including contacts of infants aged
<6 months who are not eligible for influenza vaccine); and
children aged 6 months to <9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time.
The current projected distribution of U.S. influenza vaccine for 2002--2003, on the basis of aggregate
manufacturer's estimates, is 92--97 million doses, with the majority of doses expected to be distributed by the end of October.
This projection is based on early estimates and might change as the season progresses. Thus, supplies are expected to be
adequate for prioritization of persons at increased risk for influenza complications, their household contacts, and health-care
workers for vaccination in October.
* This group also might be offered vaccination in September, if available, when seen for routine care or during hospitalization to avoid missed opportunities
for vaccination.
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Department of Health and Human Services. CDC is not responsible for the content
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the date of publication.
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