The current Influenza season 2012-2013 is widespread in all but 2 states as on January 2^nd week.  We urge all unvaccinated persons to be immunized. There may be spot shortages of vaccine in medical offices or certain pharmacies, but in general vaccine is still widely available. Please check with your public health department or other neighborhood pharmacies. The supply this year is about twice that of previous years. There is no particular region in US that has less vaccine than others.

If you are diagnosed with Influenza, with a rapid test done at doctor’s office, urgent care or hospital, treatment will be initiated without delay. Tamiflu And Relenza are two antiviral medications prescribed as early as possible, for confirmed or suspected Influenza illness, particularly in high risk individuals, hospitalized patients, or complicated , progressive illness.

Tamiflu (Oseltamavir) shortage in oral suspension form for children younger than 6 months can be handled by compounding pharmacies with FDA-approved instructions.

CDC does not recommend Flu vaccine for persons younger than 6 months of age. Dosing of Tamiflu has to be calculated based on exact weight and younger children need the suspension formula. Even in the case of a negative rapid Flu test( RIDT), a doctor who suspects Flu should begin antiviral therapy. One cannot depend on RIDT alone.

Healthcare providers work closely with parents of child to make appropriate diagnosis and begin treatment.

FDA routinely monitors adverse events of Tamiflu, since there are more people taking Tamiflu this year, patients are urged to report any adverse events associated with Tamiflu use to healthcare professionals and through MedWatch program online. There may be a peak in reporting adverse effects this year just like seen in year 2009, during the swine Flu pandemic. There are no emerging concerns about Tamiflu this year as yet.

Genetech is manufacturer of current Trivalent Flu vaccine. Trivalent means there are 3 strains ( 2 of Influenza A and 1 of Influenza B) used in manufacturing process. Most recently a new cell based vaccine,

(Flucelvax) has been approved by FDA which reduces preparation time and potential contamination of older egg-based vaccines. Flublok  a recombinant technology Flu vaccine  is approved this January 2013. 2 new quadrivalent vaccines have also been approved, that provide broader protection (against 2 strains of Influenza A and 2 strains of Influenza B) whereas the current Trivalent Flu vaccine covers only 1 strain of B.