Seasonal flu

Although a common occurrence every year in Ohio, influenza, or flu, is still a very serious disease. Nationwide, influenza and its complications cause some 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pneumonia is the most common complication associated with flu and causes more than 3,000 deaths annually in Ohio, placing flu and pneumonia among the top 10 causes of death in the state.

Most Ohioans receive their vaccine from a private source, including their doctor, at the workplace or at a privately-sponsored clinic. Public health typically supplies only about 10 percent to 15 percent of flu vaccine in Ohio each year.

For the 2005-2006 flu season, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) supplied 240,000 doses of influenza vaccine to Ohio’s local health departments. In addition to the 240,000 influenza vaccines for local health departments, ODH provided 100,000 doses for the federal Vaccines for Children program which covers children on Medicaid, those with no insurance, those who are underinsured, Native Americans and Alaska natives.

Additional vaccine supplied by the CDC expected to arrive in December will be distributed to federally qualified health centers and local health departments.

CDC Seasonal Flu Information Sheet

Last updated 03/22/2006