Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
Fall is in the air, which means flu season is approaching. This is the time of year to get vaccinated in order to have full protection by the time flu season really gets started. This year, officials are asking healthy adults to wait to get vaccinated until after people at high risk have had their flu shots.
Dr. Craig Rubin, a geriatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says people older than 65 are most at risk for dangerous complications from the flu, as are those with chronic illnesses. These groups should be sure to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. People who care for or live with high-risk patients should also be vaccinated.
Patients with Medicare Part B can usually get vaccinated for free at their doctor's office, the health department or other locations.
###
October 2005
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
