PRESS RELEASE

(11/22/2006)

Governor announces Free flu shots for South Dakota toddlers, preschoolers
South Dakota Department of health

PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Mike Rounds announced today that the state will provide free flu shots to South Dakota infants, toddlers and preschoolers, ages 6 months to 59 months. The campaign is part of the state's observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week, November 27 - December 3.

Earlier this year, the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices added children 24 months to 59 months old to the list of high-risk individuals that should receive a flu shot every year. Children between the ages of 6 months and 23 months were already on that list.

"Because this recommendation is so new, many parents may not know they should be immunizing their toddlers and preschoolers against the flu. That's why we've chosen to carry out a special flu campaign this year to make the shot available free of charge to infants, toddlers and preschoolers, ages 6 months to 59 months," said Gov. Rounds.

The South Dakota Health Department reports that children 6 months to 23 months are nearly as likely to be hospitalized for flu complications as the elderly. Children between the ages of 24 months and 59 months are not as likely to be hospitalized, but are more likely than older, healthy children to see a physician or visit an emergency room for flu.

The shots will be available through the Health Department's local community health nursing offices. Parents can contact their local office to schedule a shot or find out about scheduled clinics. To find the office nearest you, check the web at http://www.state.sd.us/doh/Address/comm.htm  http://www.state.sd.us/doh/Address/comm.htm  or call 1-800-738-2301. Parents should know that a booster shot is needed one month after the first shot if the child is getting the flu vaccine for the first time.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 77 million doses of vaccine have already been distributed and distribution will continue into December. Manufacturers expect to distribute 115 million doses this season, more than in any previous flu season.

Each year in the United States, influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations. During the 2005-2006 flu season, 40% of South Dakota's confirmed flu cases were reported in kids nine and younger.

For more information influenza, see the department's flu web site at http://www.flu.sd.gov  http://www.flu.sd.gov/.