Click here to view a Video CDC Chief Science Officer Dr. Anne Schuchat as she answers parents’ questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza and the vaccine to protect against it. Children aged six months through 24 years are recommended to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine.
Novel Influenza H1N1 Update– Revised March 29, 2010
H1N1 flu vaccinations are available for all residents including seniors. While older people are thought to be less likely to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus compared to younger persons, there have been severe infections and deaths from 2009 H1N1 in every age group, including people 65 and older.   Children less than 10 years of age need to receive two doses of vaccine to be fully protected. The second dose should be given ideally 28 days after the first dose, but it can be given after a minimum of 21 days.   While supplies last, the Department will offer both the FluMist and the injectable vaccine. FluMist is a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses that cannot grow at normal body temperature and is given via a nasal sprayer. Healthy persons 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant can receive FluMist.   Certain persons should not receive the H1N1 flu vaccine. Similar to seasonal flu, persons with a severe allergy to eggs or any of the vaccine components, who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine, or who have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome will need a prescription from their physician to get a flu vaccine. The Department reminds residents to continue the healthy behaviors that will help prevent infection with the flu as well as other illnesses. These include washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or coughing into a sleeve (not the hands), staying home when you’re sick, cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces, and avoiding close contact with persons who are sick.   Download a patient consent form here.  Persons interested in receiving an H1N1 Flu Vaccine can call 463-6575 to schedule an appointment. The Department reminds residents to continue the healthy behaviors that will help prevent infection with the flu. These include washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or coughing into a sleeve (not the hands), staying home when you’re sick, cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces, and avoiding close contact with persons who are sick. Persons who experience flu symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, tiredness – should stay home from work or school until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Those with underlying medical conditions – asthma, diabetes, etc., or those with a worsening or severe illness should quickly contact their physician who can decide if treatment is necessary.   Several private providers are also distributing H1N1 flu vaccine in Cape May County. All physicians, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities in the County were invited to participate in the H1N1 flu vaccine distribution program. Call your physician or pharmacy and ask if they have H1N1 flu vaccine.   More information: Frequently Asked Questions www.who.int/   International: United States: www.cdc.gov/flu/h1n1flu New Jersey: http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/  Cape May County: www.cmchealth.net or 609-463-6581 Presione aqui para Espanol H1N1 Influenza Brochure H1N1 Influenza Brochure - Spanish Talking with Children about H1N1 Influenza What to do if you have the flu