H1N1 Vaccine Supply is More Limited than Anticipated
The Washtenaw County Public Health Department is ramping up its H1N1 vaccine distribution plans in response to a limited vaccine supply and increased flu activity in the community. The H1N1 vaccine supply is only about 30% of what was expected by this time. Public Health is narrowing the priority groups to those most at risk and scheduling H1N1 vaccination clinics to reach these groups sooner, all in accordance to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first opportunity for prioritized, high-risk individuals to receive H1N1 vaccine is Tuesday, October 27, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District facility, 1819 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. School-based H1N1 vaccination clinics for the redefined priority groups will begin on November 2nd, 2009.
Individuals within the following priority groups are currently eligible for the H1N1 vaccination:
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Pregnant women.
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Household and caregiver contacts of children under 6 months of age.
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Children 6 months through 4 years.
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Children 5 to 18 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications.
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Health care and emergency medical services personnel who provide direct patient care.
"Given our limited supply, we have to concentrate on vaccinating those children and adults most at risk of complications," says Richard Fleece, Health Officer for Washtenaw County Public Health. He said the Health Department hoped to have adequate vaccine to operate mass H1N1 vaccination clinics at public schools starting in November. Now, however, H1N1 vaccination clinics will begin earlier, but they will only offer the vaccine to more specific priority groups. Individuals prioritized for vaccinations should live, work or attend school within Washtenaw County.
It is important to continue promoting basic prevention strategies which can slow or stop the spread of illness:
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw it in the trash.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs spread this way.
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Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
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If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). Keep away from others as much as possible.
If individuals have more detailed questions about H1N1 influenza or vaccine, Public Health nurses and and health educators are available to answer questions (734) 544-6700. Updated information will be available by visiting www.ewashtenaw.org/flu.
