LEVY COUNTY, Fl – Levy County Health Department received its first shipment of H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccines late Tuesday, October 13, 2009. As of Tuesday, October 20th, the health department has approximately 1600 doses of H1N1 vaccine. More shipments are expected. During the period when vaccine is in limited supply, Levy County Health Department is following vaccination recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP recommends that vaccination efforts initially focus on 5 target groups:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
• People ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for complications because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems (due to medical therapy or disease)
Individuals who fall into the above categories are encouraged to call the health department to schedule an appointment for H1N1 vaccination. The health department anticipates offering the nasal spray at schools and daycares. The H1N1 vaccine is FREE and VOLUNTARY. Levy County Health Department expects to include the general public when more vaccine becomes available.
Vaccine information:
There are two forms of H1N1 vaccine; one is a shot and the other is a gentle mist or nasal spray that is delivered into the nose. The nasal mist vaccine is not recommended for individuals who are greater than 50 years of age, under two years of age, are pregnant, have asthma, or are immunocompromised. H1N1 vaccines are manufactured and tested using the same processes used for the seasonal flu vaccine. Millions of doses of seasonal flu vaccine have been given every year for many years and seasonal flu vaccines have a well-established safety profile. Like any vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine does not protect 100% of the individuals who receive it. Side effects associated with the H1N1 vaccine are similar to those associated with the seasonal flu vaccine. In studies of people between the ages of 2-49, the most common side effects of H1N1 flu vaccine include runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and fever.
If a person is sick with flu symptoms, they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. People with severe illness or people who are at high risk for flu complications should contact their health care provider or seek medical care. It is important that people always call their healthcare provider before going to the Emergency Room. If a person does not have a health care provider, they may contact an urgent care center or contact Levy County Health Department at (352) 486-5300.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu background:
• H1N1 (swine) flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people and was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States.
• The virus is spread in the same way as seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.
• The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
• Individuals aged 65 and older have been reported to have lower rates of H1N1 flu infection compared to other age groups. Those aged 65 and older do not appear to be at increased risk of H1N1 flu related complications. This is different from seasonal flu.
• Illness with H1N1 flu virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with the virus have occurred.
• People can protect themselves from becoming sick by covering their coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently and by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Up-to-date information about H1N1 (swine) flu in Florida can be obtained by visiting www.myflusafety.com
