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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 15, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
FLU SHOTS ARE HERE and ARE COMING!
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
The information about flu
and flu shots may seem confusing this year, as there will most likely be
two different immunizations for influenza. For those of us in the public
health field, the guidance information and recommendations can change
almost daily. We will certainly do our best to keep the community
informed. However, despite some of the uncertainties, there is
information that is definitely known at this time.
Number 1: Flu immunization season is here! It is time to get the
seasonal flu shot (the shot people get every year.) There will be a lot
of seasonal flu vaccine in the community, available at many different
locations. Anyone (6 months of age and older) who wishes to decrease
their risk of getting seasonal flu should get a seasonal flu shot .
Adults who especially should consider a seasonal flu shot are persons
age 50 or over; women who will be pregnant during flu season; persons
who have a chronic lung, heart, liver, kidney or metabolic disease (like
diabetes); persons who are immunosupressed; and persons who care for
infants (less than 6 months), the elderly or are health care providers.
It is expected that there will be a second flu vaccine to protect
against the Novel H1N1 flu which will eventually be available to the
community at large. But initially, the vaccine will be limited to
specific target groups who are those who are more likely to develop
complications from H1N1, based on scientific knowledge. The initial
target populations that will receive the vaccine are: Pregnant women and
caretakers of infants less than 6 months old; Healthcare workers and EMS
with direct patient care; babies 6 months or older, toddlers, and
children aged 3 to 18 years old; persons aged 19 to 24 years old; and
persons age 25-64 years old with high risk medical conditions. These
groups may be even further divided if the initial supply is very
limited. The first two target groups will remain the same. The next
target groups will be all children age 6 months to 4 years old and
children with high risk medical conditions aged 5 to 18 years old. Once
vaccine is widely available and the target groups have been addressed,
there will be clinics that will offer the vaccine to anyone who desires
to get one.
The reason why those over age 64 are not included in the initial target
groups is two-fold. The first reason is because this flu has primarily
caused illness in younger persons. Secondly, it is believed that persons
over 64 may have some immunity to this virus. This is different than the
seasonal flu vaccine, where people over age 50 are among the top target
groups.
More information about the Novel H1N1 vaccine will be forthcoming as the
vaccine is developed and distributed. But now is the time to get your
seasonal flu shot. QVHD will be cosponsoring flu clinics with VNA
Service, Inc. at various sites in the community. For clinic dates and
times, you can call the VNA Services, Inc. Flu Hotline, 407-7416.
Listing of other places to get flu shots can be found a
www.flucliniclocator.org.
District residents (Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) who
have questions about flu shots can contact Quinnipiack Valley Health
District, 248-4528 or on line,
www.qvhd.org .
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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