H1N1 Virus Information & Prevention
News Release from Saginaw County Department of Public Health - October 15, 2009
Saginaw County Department of Public Health Cancels Remaining Seasonal Flu Clinics While Awaiting H1N1 Vaccine Supply
Due to the fact that the Saginaw County Department of Public Health (SCDPH) has administered all of its current seasonal flu vaccine, starting Friday, October 16, 2009, the SCDPH will be cancelling all seasonal flu clinics until further notice.
“The Health Department has vaccinated roughly 700 county residents, expending its initial allotted seasonal flu vaccine. We expect to administer additional doses in late November when we are expected to get the remainder of the seasonal flu vaccine we ordered”, cites Tawnya Simon, Director of Saginaw County Department of Public Health Personal and Preventive Health Services Division.
Providers throughout the country have experienced challenges in receiving seasonal flu orders. These challenges have stemmed from multiple issues including manufacturer underestimates for the seasonal flu vaccine and high demand for purchase of vaccine.
Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine is different from the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine. The CDC is encouraging people to get both vaccinations as soon as possible. Saginaw County residents will soon be able to obtain the 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine through a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by the Saginaw County Department of Public Health, healthcare provider offices, and other private settings. There will be no charge for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, however, there may be a fee for the administration of the vaccine. When H1N1 vaccine becomes available, it will be available to the public at selected locations. Updated information will be posted at www.saginawpublichealth.org
The groups of people considered priority, based on highest risk, for getting the 2009 H1N1 vaccine once it becomes available are: Pregnant women; Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months old; Healthcare and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel; All people aged 6 months to 24 years; and People aged 25 through 64 years with chronic health conditions. Healthcare and EMS personnel have been targeted for vaccination to keep them healthy, able to work, and less likely to infect their patients on the job. Other persons have been targeted for vaccination to protect them from medical complications if they get 2009 H1N1 flu. Once the demand for vaccine in the highest risk groups has been met, more members of the general public wishing to receive the vaccine will be able to do so.
Unlike the seasonal flu virus, adults older than 64 do not appear to be at increased risk of H1N1 (Swine) flu-related complications. However, any person over 65 who becomes ill with flu-like symptoms should contact his or her physician right away to determine whether treatment is needed. Also, seniors should consider getting the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine once the target groups mentioned above have been offered vaccine.
“We ask members of the public who want to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine to be patient as the vaccination program begins. It is important to keep in mind that there will be lag times between placing orders and vaccine actually being distributed. We are not cutting corners in terms of steps like quality control checks. I can not emphasize enough how massive and challenging of an undertaking this program is to state as well as local health departments. There will likely be bumps along the way, but we are optimistic that we will achieve our goal of making the 2009 H1N1 vaccine available to all of those who need and want it”, states Natasha Coulouris, Health Officer and Director of the Saginaw County Department of Public Health.
Residents should contact their local health care provider to find out where they can get a seasonal flu shot. They may also visit www.flu.gov for a list of local providers who are currently giving the vaccine. The public may also receive seasonal flu shot updates by visiting the Health Department Website at www.saginawpublichealth.org or calling (989) 758-3840.