H1N1 Vaccine for People 65 and Older will be Available

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has distributed recommendations to provide the initial round of H1N1 “Swine Flu” vaccine to priority groups. There have been concerns voiced by some that the elderly population were left off the priority list. They point out that people in this age group are at highest risk of serious illness if they become infected by the flu.  While this is true for yearly seasonal flu, it is not true for H1N1 flu. Based on public health information collected so far during the outbreak that began in April 2009, people 65 and older are LEAST likely to become infected by H1N1 flu.  Older persons appear to have some pre-existing immunity to H1N1 influenza which means they may be less vulnerable to this new strain of flu.

The people who are most vulnerable to H1N1 influenza are pregnant women; those ages 6 months through 24 years; and adults ages 25 though 64 with an underlying medical condition that puts them at high risk for complications from influenza. Most hospitalizations and deaths due to H1N1 have occurred in these groups.  The initial shipments of H1N1 vaccine will go first to the people in these groups as well as to front-line health care workers. As more vaccine becomes available, those not on the high priority list will be able to get the vaccine.  We want our older population to know that they are not forgotten and that, once sufficient vaccine is available, it will be offered to the general population.  In the meantime Do These Things to prevent spread and reduce risk of getting H1N1 flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve-not your hands. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash you hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are also effective if you are not near a sink, but soap and water is best.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  Stay at least six feet from someone who is coughing or sneezing.

The routine, seasonal flu generally arrives in the US in the winter months. The elderly are at much higher risk for death or complications due to this virus. Vaccine for seasonal flu is widely available and should be administered as soon as possible to those over age 65 and to anyone in a high risk group.

NOTE: on Dec 4 2009, the state sent a letter to hospitals and providers stating that H1N1 vaccine supplies are now sufficient to allow administration to anyone who requests it. Vaccine is no longer limited to priority groups.