Influenza Update For 2019-2020 Season
November 22nd, 2019
Update on WI Influenza for 2019-2020 Season
How is Wisconsin doing in regards to the influenza (flu) this season? A recent report by the Wisconsin Department of Health, Division of Public Health for Week 45 ending November 9, 2019 points out the following:
· So far there have been 6 influenza-associated deaths in Wisconsin during the 2019-2020 influenza season.
· 72% of positive influenza tests by subtype are due to A strains, while 28% are due to B strains. Interestingly, a significant percentage of unknown subtypes have been reported for both the A and B strains.
· As expected, the cumulative number of influenza-associated hospitalizations has increased each week from September to early November. While the 2018-2019 season was relatively mild, the number of hospitalizations so far this year is more similar to the severe 2017-2018 season.
· Wisconsin’s Healthy People 2020 Goal is for 70% of state residents to be vaccinated for the flu. So far, 27% of Wisconsin residents were reported to be vaccinated this season, which is above the vaccination rate reported for the same time last year. Note that 40% of Wisconsin residents were vaccinated in 2018-2019.
· Over the years in Wisconsin, the 65+ age group has the highest percentage of people vaccinated. On average, almost twice as many seniors are vaccinated for the flu compared to all age groups. Not too surprising, the 18-49 age group has the lowest percentage of people vaccinated.
VaxPro is one of the leading providers of onsite flu shot clinics in Wisconsin. We provide the quadrivalent vaccine for our customers as it offers the greatest level of protection against influenza infection. Results from our flu shot clinics compare well with the data reported by the Wisconsin Department of Health. The number of flu shots VaxPro administered this year has surpassed prior year totals for the majority of our customers. Flu shot awareness is definitely up. This is critical because influenza is a serious, and sometimes deadly, disease that can wipe out an entire workforce. Feel free to contact VaxPro regarding the different types of vaccines and how to register for next season’s clinics at your facility.