¶ … Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)." The article describes a variety of issues dealing with the problem of influenza, its prevention and its cure. Risk factors for example are particularly focused upon persons of 50 years old and above, as well as children from 6-23 months, as well as health care and day care workers who are regularly in contact with these people. Furthermore the article describes the types of immunization available, their effectiveness and side effects. Recommendations for specific vaccination practices are then made according to age and population group. Antiviral agents that can be used when influenza has been contracted are also described according to their types, dosage and risks.
The focus area of Healthy People 2010 that the article relates to is no. 14, "Immunizations and Infectious Diseases" (National Center for Health Statistics, 2004). According to the Healthy People 2010 Objectives, vaccination coverage for 90% of persons of 65 years and above should be reached (MMWR, 2005, p. 7).
The data in the article however suggests that this goal is far from being met. While the Healthy People 2000 Objective of 60% was surpassed in 1999, vaccine coverage stabilized from the year 2000 onwards. The statistics in the article show that vaccination levels during 2003 were substantially below the objective set for 2010. Various factors may play a role in this phenomenon, including vaccine supply delays and shortages (MMWR, 2005, p. 8).
The article suggests a variety of strategies to help meet the goals set by Healthy People 2010. The benefits of meeting this goal particularly relate to more hours at work and thus greater productivity and a growth in economy, fewer disruptions in essential services, as well as fewer deaths and other complications related to influenza (MMWR, 2005, p. 12). The benefits to the country then relate to the general well-being of the population and its economy.
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