Published: November 24, 2009 12:30 pm      

H1N1 clinic scheduled

Monticello — The Lake Cumberland District Health Department is planning another public flu clinic for H1N1 vaccinations only. The clinic will be held Thursday evening, December 3, from 5-8 p.m. at the Wayne County Health Department. This clinic will offer the injectable form of the vaccine only.

These vaccinations are reserved at this time for individuals who fall into the priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). No appointments will be made. Vaccine will be available on a walk-in basis.

The current recommendations regarding who should be vaccinated first

include:

€ Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

€ Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated;

€ Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capability;

€ All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

€ Children from 6 months through 18 years of age‹many cases of novel

H1N1 influenza have been reported in children. They are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, increasing the likelihood of spread;

€ Young adults 19 through 24 years of age‹many cases of novel H1N1 influenza have been seen in this healthy young population which tends to be very mobile, hence good vectors for spread.

€ Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccination at the health department.

Outbreaks of illness may occur in waves of about 6-12 week time periods.

The first wave is usually a smaller wave; followed by a larger "peak" wave.

Subsequent smaller waves can occur as well.

The United States experienced its first wave of 2009 H1N1 pandemic activity in the spring of 2009. At this time, we are experiencing a second wave of 2009 H1N1 activity. Flu activity is widespread in most of the country at this time, which is highly unusual during regular seasonal flu for this time of year, but not unexpected for a pandemic. Even after flu activity peaks during the current wave, it's possible that other waves of influenza activity may occur‹caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses. Because the timing and spread of influenza viruses are unpredictable, CDC is continuing to recommend vaccination with 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

Although it appears that this wave of H1N1 illness may be decreasing, more H1N1 related illness is expected to occur in the coming weeks and months. It is still very important that people receive this vaccine to protect themselves against future waves of illness.

If you have questions or concerns about whether you fall into a vaccination priority group, contact your local health department or visit our website at www.lcdhd.org.