People with diabetes are in a high-risk category for influenza, which causes an average of 100,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths each year. Complications of flu are higher in people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Last year, there were considerable delays in shipment of flu vaccines. This year is expected to be much better, although there will be some delays. The CDC has announced that more than half of the flu vaccine will be in the hands of providers this month, with the remainder being shipped in November and early December. The incidence of flu peaks between January and March.

Providers have been told to use the early shipments of vaccine to immunize high-risk people, which includes everybody over the age of 65 plus those with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Children with diabetes should also be immunized against flu.

Check with your healthcare provider to arrange for your flu shot.

Related information Special times - Sickness

Sources:

• CDC. Prevention and Control of Influenza - Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). February 2001.
• CDC. Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #7. Aug. 31, 2001.
• CDC. Flu season 2001-02: Update - ACIP makes recommendations to address delays in flu vaccine delivery during the 2001-02 influenza season, June 21, 2001.