Each year, we encourage our members to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu and ask that you advise your patients to receive a vaccination as soon as possible.

The recommendations for the 2011-2012 flu season from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices include flu vaccination for all people 6 months and older, especially pregnant women, children younger than 5, adults 50 and older, and anyone with a chronic illness.

For more information about this year?s flu vaccine, go to www.cdc.gov/flu.

Dosing changes for Tamiflu?

Tamiflu? for oral suspension is available in a lower concentration (6 mg/mL versus the former 12 mg/mL) for the 2011-2012 flu season. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that patients may potentially receive either concentration from their pharmacy this flu season.

The FDA recommends that prescribers include the new concentration (6 mg/mL) in milliliters and dose on all prescriptions for Tamiflu? for oral suspension to avoid the potential for a medication error due to confusion between the two concentrations. For more information, please visit the FDA?s website at www.fda.gov.