Whatever that nasty, mucousy gunk is that is making the rounds, it isn’t the flu.
The state health department reports that as of Jan. 6, four people had been hospitalized statewide with flu complications. By the same time last year, the number was 134.
El Paso County health officials reported that two additional people – a baby and a child – were hospitalized a week ago.
That flu is scarce so far is a good thing – because few Coloradans got flu shots this year.
“People probably have 20 to 25 percent of their stock left,” said Mimi Allen of the Visiting Nurse Association, one of the area’s biggest vaccine providers.
“We anticipated growth in demand, and it didn’t happen,” she said.
One result of that miscalculation is leftover vaccine, which will have to be thrown away if it is not used this season.
Consequently, vendors are practically giving away shots. In Larimer County, vaccine was offered at half price this month.
In Denver the Visiting Nurse Association and HealthOne teamed up to offer vaccines for $12.50 throughout the month.
The VNA is particularly interested in immunizing children because kids under 5 are especially vulnerable to flu complications, Allen said.
“Parents will get car seats and bike helmets and all sorts of protective things but won’t get flu shots for their kids,” she said.
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that since Oct. 1, eight children have died from flu complications.
Meanwhile, the National Center for Infectious Diseases estimates that fewer than half the children eligible to get flu shots actually did this year.
Another potential consequence of the public’s indifference is that vaccine producers will make fewer doses next year.
The CDC has for years encouraged flu vaccine makers to ramp up production and be prepared for a flu pandemic.
But if manufacturers lose money this year, they may cut production in the future, Allen said.
Historically, flu season begins in fall and peaks in February.
Staff writer Karen Augé can be reached at 303-954-1733 or kauge@denverpost.com.
Be prepared
For information about flu vaccine, visit www.immunizecolorado.com.
