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Health staff: flu cases nearly double last year in Independence; COVID also rising
Summary
Health department staff reported 164 flu cases last week versus 93 the same week last year, an uptick in COVID cases and isolated pertussis, TB and campylobacter cases; staff said vaccine schedules remain unchanged and follow AAP guidance.
Lauren, health department staff, told the board on Feb. 5 that respiratory virus season is active and the department logged 164 reported flu cases last week compared with 93 in the same week last year.
"For contacts the same time last year, we saw 93 cases. So we're close to double right now," Lauren said. She cautioned these are reported cases (people tested and reported by clinicians) and do not capture untested illness in the community.
Lauren said COVID-19 cases are increasing, though still lower than influenza, and the department is managing a small number of pertussis cases, active tuberculosis cases and campylobacter infections.
In response to a board member question about a reported change making polio vaccines 'optional,' Lauren said the department continues to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccination schedule and that school-required vaccines have not changed. She said the VFC coordinator advised staff to continue the usual schedule and to engage in more in-depth shared decision making with parents and to review information sheets carefully before vaccination.
No new policy or changes to school vaccine requirements were adopted at the meeting. The board adjourned after the update.
