VA takes the threat seasonal influenza poses to our Veterans, staff, medical system—and the health of the country as a whole—very seriously. VA has flu tools and materials available to help you educate Veterans about influenza and to help you prevent spreading this illness.
VA Influenza Vaccination
Influenza vaccination is a VA priority. Download the VA Influenza Manual 2011-2012
(6.7 MB, PDF) for information for VA staff on seasonal influenza vaccination.
VA has developed a set of vaccination goals for the current flu season. View the goals for the 2011-2012 flu season.
Don't forget! Last year, new information on vaccination was released:
- CDC/ACIP recommended that all person ages 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccination
- FDA approved a high dose formation of the inactivated trivalent (TIV) vaccine for people ages 65 and older
What's New for 2011-2012 Flu Season?
Flu Vaccination and Egg Allergy
For years, people with egg allergies were advised to avoid the flu vaccine. New this year, recent research has found that flu vaccine can be tolerated by people with egg allergies without reaction. There is still question whether those with severe egg allergies can receive the shot. See usage recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011.
New Intradermal Influenza Vaccine
Fluzone Intradermal, a new intradermally administered vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, was licensed by the FDA in May 2011. It is not available through the current 2011-2012 national VA influenza vaccine contract. For possible availability of this formulation at your VA facility, see your pharmacy chief.
This vaccine is indicated for people ages 18-64. It is contains less antigen and has a smaller liquid volume than the intramuscular preparation. The vaccine is administered in a single dose, pre-filled microinjection syringe. The preferred administration site is the deltoid muscle. See usage recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011.
Larger Type VIS Version Available
New this year from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a larger type version of the VIS (71 KB, PDF) for the inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine.
Institute of Medicine Report of Vaccine Safety
An analysis of more than 1,000 research articles found that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines. A committee of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to review the scientific literature on possible adverse effects of vaccines found convincing evidence of 14 health outcomes that can be caused by certain vaccines, although these outcomes occur rarely. In addition the evidence shows there are no links between immunization and some serious conditions that have raised concerns, including Type 1 diabetes and autism. Read the full report for more information.
New Federal Government Web Site on Vaccines
Vaccines.gov is a new Federal government Web site on vaccine and immunizations specifically geared to consumers. The site includes content on vaccine recommendations, the diseases that vaccines prevent, important information for getting vaccinated, and tips on travel health. It also links consumers with resources in their states to learn about vaccine requirements for school or child care entry and local community information.
Flu Tools and Materials
VA has developed materials to help inform the public, including Veterans and families, and health care providers about topics such as seasonal flu vaccination, hand and respiratory hygiene, and stopping the spread of infection.
Materials are not copyrighted and may be reproduced.
- All Materials
- VA Influenza Manual 2011-2012 (6.7 MB, PDF)
- Posters
- Brochures and Fact Sheets
- Videos
- Buttons and Stickers
- Cafeteria Tray Liners
VA employees can order copies of print materials through the
VA Learning Management System. See the Infection Don’t Pass It On Resource Catalog (2.71 MB, PDF) for a list of printed materials stocked for distribution.
Download free viewer and reader software to view PDF, video and other file formats.
Connect with Us
Veterans Health
