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Hillsborough, larger counties face flu vaccine challenge

Staff file photo by Chris Urso (2007)

One in three adults in Florida received seasonal flu vaccinations in 2007, the most recent figures available, according to the health department.

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By MARY SHEDDEN and DENNIS JOYCE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 8, 2009

Hillsborough and Florida's other most populous counties may face a challenge getting people to undergo swine flu vaccinations if their success with seasonal flu shots is any indication.

Hillsborough, Broward, Miami-Dade and Orange counties all rate in the bottom quarter of Florida's 67 counties when it comes to the percentage of the population that gets seasonal flu vaccinations, according to the Florida Department of Health. Among the five biggest counties, only Palm Beach has a rate higher than the state average.

Counties with large percentages of senior citizens, who are most susceptible to seasonal flu, have among the highest rates of vaccination.

One in three adults in Florida received seasonal flu vaccinations in 2007, the most recent figures available, according to the health department.

Counties with the greatest participation were Glades and Charlotte, where 45 percent of the population 18 and older were vaccinated. The worst was Liberty County in the Panhandle, with just 17 percent.

Hillsborough, at 30 percent participation, and Polk, at 32 percent, fell below the state average.

Other Bay area counties fare better, led by Highlands, 43 percent; Sarasota, 42 percent; Citrus, 39 percent; Hernando and Manatee, 37 percent; Pinellas, 35 percent; Pasco, 34 percent; and DeSoto, 33 percent.

Seasonal flu shots and nasal spray are widely available each fall and vaccination rates this year may actually improve, said Margaret Ewen, immunization program manager for the Hillsborough County Health Department.

That's because so many people are talking about the similar, but separate, swine flu strain and its risks.

"It may be even higher here because of all the attention," Ewen said.

It won't be long before health officials see the results. This week, many retail health clinics and private doctors are launching seasonal flu vaccination programs. Those shots will be ready for distribution at Hillsborough County Health Department clinics starting Monday.

Also, some employers offer free seasonal flu shots and some insurance companies will cover the cost. If not, the single-dose shot or the nasal spray alternative run between $20 and $30.

Getting a swine flu vaccination will be more work, which may affect its popularity. It is expected to come in two doses, requiring separate shots 21 days apart.

Swine flu vaccinations will go first to four groups: pregnant women, in part to protect their unborn children; children and young adults 6 months to 24 years; health care workers; and younger adults with risky health conditions.

Swine flu has not proven more deadly than seasonal flu so far but is remarkable for whom it strikes: Infections are 20 times more common in the 5- to 24-year-old age group than in people over 65.

Reporter Mary Shedden can be reached at (813) 259-7365. Editor Dennis Joyce can be reached at (813) 259-7604.

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