What the CDC’s new flu vaccine guidance could mean for Georgia schools

The recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending the flu vaccine for all children has caught some health care providers by surprise. The decision has created uncertainty for some educators and pediatricians amid a flu season where cases, hospitalizations and flu-related deaths are spiking nationwide.

“I think it’s going to create a lot of confusion,” said Dr. Matt Linam, an associate professor in pediatric infectious diseases at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

An epidemiologist, Linam said preliminary data show this year’s flu shot can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

“(This year’s) vaccine is about 70 to 75% effective in preventing hospitalization in children and about 30 to 40% effective in keeping adults out of the hospital,” he said, adding that the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends the vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older.

CDC data show about 11 million flu cases, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths in the United States so far this season. The Georgia Department of Health says there have been 1,580 flu hospitalizations in Georgia since early October.

Child flu immunizations have increased slightly in Georgia this year compared to last year, according to CDC data. Even so, just 42.3% of children had received the vaccine as of Dec. 13, compared to 46.4% of children nationally. The state mandates some inoculations before children can attend child care facilities or K-12 schools. They include shots for measles, mumps and rubella and chickenpox, but not influenza.

The human touch

Kristin Wilder belongs to a grassroots national organization called Moms Rising, which advocates for issues like paid family leave and making child care more affordable. The group opposes the CDC’s revisions, believing children will be sicker as a result. Wilder, whose 4-year-old daughter is in prekindergarten this year, called the changes “disheartening.”

“As a mom, if I wanted to follow the old schedule, how would I be able to?” she said. “How will doctors advise me moving forward when my daughter has her next round of vaccinations coming up? Or even, how will insurance react to these sorts of things?”

That’s where family doctors come in.

Dr. Nicola Chin, president of the Georgia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said parents who have questions about the flu vaccine should consult their child’s pediatrician.

She had a patient whose mother declined the flu vaccine for him each year. He kept coming down with the virus and eventually ended up in the intensive care unit. Chin talked to her and realized she was worried the shot could make her son’s asthma worse. Chin explained that wasn’t the case.

“We were able to talk through the fear, the perception, and (he) was able to get the influenza vaccine (this year), and mom hasn’t called me to say there’s any complications at all,” she said.

Schools prepare

Metro Atlanta school districts are adjusting to the new CDC guidance as flu cases surge across the state. Health services usually vary by school. Districts, including Clayton County Public Schools, Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools, all have some school-based health centers that administer flu vaccines. Others have health clinics or offices, which may not be as comprehensive.

Officials with Atlanta Public Schools say they’ve seen a slight increase in flu cases this season and recommend preventive measures such as handwashing and limiting close contact with others, in addition to vaccines.

“Flu vaccines are available at APS school-based health centers and families are encouraged to contact them directly for more information,” APS said in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Families are also encouraged to seek flu vaccines through their health care providers, local pharmacies, or local health departments.”

The Fulton County school district said it’s aware of the increase in flu cases and is in touch with the county health board’s epidemiology team.

“We will continue to follow our standard communicable illness guidelines and will respond as students and staff return by monitoring trends, issuing appropriate notifications in consultation with the (Board of Health), and coordinating with FCS Facilities department for any additional environmental and cleaning efforts.”

DeKalb County school system officials said they’ll abide by the new guidance.

“As a school district, (we do) not set medical policy; rather, we monitor guidance from state and federal health agencies and comply with applicable laws and regulations. Families are encouraged to consult their health care providers to make informed decisions that are best for their children.”

Gwinnett County Public Schools said officials are reviewing the new guidelines. The district doesn’t have school-based health centers, but said the county health department reports that flu cases have increased in the area.

“As always, we remain committed to following all applicable state and federal health guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community,” a spokesperson for the district said.