Pandemic Flu - Important information for you and your family
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily from person-to-person worldwide. For more information on Pandemic Flu:
Pandemicflu.gov The official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza. Get informed. Be Prepared.
Pandemic Pages of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the most important public health issues our Nation and the world face is the threat of a global disease outbreak called a pandemic.
The groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
We are presently distributing H1N1 vaccine to health care providers who have agreed to provide the vaccine to their patients. We are also planning to hold additional Public Health clinics in the coming weeks. More news to follow.
Recall: December 23, 2009 Non-Safety-Related Recall of specific Lots of H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine. Some of the recalled lots were dispensed at Sussex County sponsored H1N1 Flu Clinics. "There are no safety concerns with these lots of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. All lots successfully passed pre-release testing for safety, purity and potency."
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Required for H1N1 Vaccination Fill out online, then print, or print blank form and fill out by hand. Bring this form with you to the clinic.
"Flu Shot" or FluMist®, which vaccine is right for you?
