”Universal immunization” could mean flu shots for everyone

CHICAGO – Perhaps within five years, the government is likely to recommend annual flu shots for every American – not just young children, the elderly and other at-risk people, public health advocates predict.

The government panel that sets U.S. vaccine policy already has begun discussing “universal immunization” as a way to boost vaccination rates and reduce flu-linked sickness and death, Dr. Scott Harper of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at a vaccine meeting this week.

Harper acknowledged that the recent vaccine shortages momentarily upstaged universal immunization discussions, but said it remains a viable proposal. “Part of our job is to just keep this issue on the radar screen,” he said at the national flu vaccine summit.

The annual meeting seeks to set an agenda for the upcoming flu season. Participants – many with a financial stake in vaccinations – said the universal vaccination push is likely to come within the next five years.

The hurdles, some observers say, are daunting.

Unstable supply is one of the biggest.

Also, flu vaccine is altered every year because there are always different flu strains circulating. The unused vaccine is discarded at season’s end, making flu shots financially unappealing for manufacturers.