CWU Helps Community Battle Flu Outbreak

December 12, 2003

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics indicate about 36,000 Americans die each year from complications related to the flu. But, some experts are predicting the toll will rise this year because of serious flu outbreaks already reported in at least 24 states, including Washington.

As the outbreaks spread, the amount of available vaccine declines. Because of that, a priority list for people getting flu shots has been developed. It includes those with chronic illnesses, persons 65 and older, infants between 6 and 23 months and expectant mothers who are more than three months into their pregnancies.

For some people not on the priority list, an alternative may be available in FluMist, a new type of flu vaccine that was first licensed earlier this year. It's different from flu shots because it contains weakened live influenza viruses instead of killed viruses and is administered by nasal spray instead of injection. However, it is only recommended for healthy people ages 5 to 49.

Earlier this month, Central Washington University received delivery of 800 free doses of FluMist, along with freezers necessary to store the vaccine, from Wyeth, the pharmaceutical company that also supplies CWU with its flu shots.

The donation, from the New Jersey-based firm known for the pain reliever Advil, Centrum vitamins and Robitussin cough syrup, is uncommon, according to Robert Trumpy, senior director of CWU student health, counseling and wellness services.

"What happened was the company over produced it," he adds. "It has a limited shelf life, so they couldn't keep it until next year."

Because of the shortage of flu shots available in Kittitas County, Trumpy says CWU decided to "share the wealth," with the approval of officials at Wyeth.

A total of 400 FluMist vials have been given to the Kittitas County Health Department, Family Health Care of Ellensburg and Valley Clinic.

"This is clearly one of those situations where the mission of the university extends into the community," Trumpy adds.

On campus, CWU has given approximately 800 flu shots this year, up about 200 from last year. Although CWU students receive flu shots for free, the cost to the university will be about $10,000 this year, Trumpy points out.

Those getting the flu have been hit with a strain that mutated after development of this year's vaccines, that also seems to last longer than usual.

"People get it, feel a little better and then get it again," Trumpy says. "It comes and goes for awhile and commonly has a bad cough associated with it."

In the U.S., the peak of the flu season can occur anywhere from late December through March, according to the CDC.