H1N1 Vaccine Priority Groups Expanded

District 4 Public Health has received the first shipment of H1N1 vaccine at county health departments. Georgia's initial shipment of 54,800 doses of H1N1 vaccine was earmarked for young children. However, vaccine administration is now open on a first come, first serve basis to:

· Children and young adults ages 2-24 years
· Healthcare providers
· Emergency Responders
· Contacts or caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age

2009 H1N1 vaccine is CURRENTLY available at all health departments in District 4 in the form of nasal-spray flu vaccine, also known as LAIV for live attenuated influenza vaccine. No appointment is needed and vaccine will be given on a first come, first serve basis. H1N1 vaccine is being provided free of charge by Public Health, although administration fees may be charged to insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

Additional nasal spray vaccine and a shipment of H1N1 injectible vaccine is expected soon but no delivery date has been given at this time.2009 H1N1 nasal spray is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age with the following exceptions:

· pregnant women,
· anyone with a weakened immune system,
· anyone with a long-term health problem such as - heart disease - kidney or liver disease - lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes - asthma - anemia and other blood disorders
· children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or moreepisodes of wheezing during the past year,· anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems,· anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),
· children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.

“Our first shipment of H1N1 shots will be given to pregnant women and people in the current priority group who cannot receive nasal spray flu vaccine,” said Dr. Michael Brackett District 4 medical director.

District 4 Public Health has activated a regional public health hotline (888.899.9788) that provides callers with H1N1 vaccine availability information. People can also get information on H1N1 vaccine availability at www.district4health.org. Health departments will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2009 in observance of the Columbus Day holiday but will reopen Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. For more information on seasonal and H1N1 flu visit www.flu.gov.
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