Who should get the H1N1 vaccine, can they get it, and when ?
There are many discussions taking place by those who are questioning the delays in receiving the H1N1 vaccine. According to Robert Goldberg of the New York Post. "The shortage of swine flu vaccine results not from company greed or outside demand but almost entirely from the governments decision to pander to unfounded and unscientific fear."
It appears that the public demand for single dose vials set back the production of multi dose vials that are easier to make. However, it is a tribute to the effectiveness of our pandemic planning, and new technology, that we will likely have plenty of H1N1 vaccine within a month.
"The government has done a admirable job in communicating with the public about the H1N1 influenza and boosting the immunization rates." However, due to "concerns" the system may have been "hamstrung by pseudoscience evangelists."
In addition to the ongoing challenges related to forecasting the path of the H1N1 influenza virus, containing the outbreaks and educating and protecting the public. The CDC has the unenviable task of soothing the outraged public, who is unable to attain the vaccine, after receiving the education and the public health advisement to get vaccinated. Delays are causing great frustration in some communities.
The symptoms of the influenza H1N1 is similar to other viruses that are causing large numbers of people to get sick. Specific testing called "RT-PCR " is needed to tell if an illness is caused by a specific influenza strain. It is a rapid flu test that doctors can do in their offices. If you test positive, you should have some immunity and may choose not to get vaccinated. However, if you choose to get vaccinated, it is not considered to be harmful.
The vaccine is available, however, the initial supplies are limited. The CDC has an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices {ACIP} who has issued separate recommendations on who should get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu. It is essential that some of the population get vaccinated before the general population. Pregnant women, those that are caretakers or live with children under 6months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months of age through 4 years of age, those with high risk medical conditions are at greater risk for influenza-related complications.
There is an ongoing need for assessments according to the supply and demand . Once the demand for the target groups are met on a local level. There will be programs for everyone from the age of 25 through 64 years of age. Current studies have shown that those age 65 and older are at less risk than younger age groups. When vaccination programs have been met it should then be offered to those over 65 years of age.
The CDC sends out weekly H1N1 allocation reports indicating how much of the H1N1 vaccine is available to be ordered. The quantity of the vaccine doses allocated is the amount, that is at distribution points and ready for the states to order. The quantity of vaccine that is allocated is based on the area and population size.
The centralized distribution ships the vaccine to hospitals,clinics, doctors offices and health departments. Community vaccination programs and pharmacies. There are a maximum of 150,000 sites where vaccines can be shipped . All project areas have been notified. Vaccines are shipped as they become available.
Vaccines, the nasal spray {live virus} and the injections have been produced and licensed by the FDA. The federal government has purchased a total of 250 million doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Every state has a vaccine delivery plan.
It is essential that everyone follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and practice other social distancing measures. Defer the practice of handshaking with a brief explanation. Public venues should publicly re-enforce respiratory hygiene methods.
It is expected that into the winter months ,the concern will grow. Keeping abreast of the facts and the ongoing education. Will help us to know and keep " this virus" in perspective. It is hard not to get swept up in the real concerns for a virus that is new to us. However, most people who do acquire the H1N1 influenza, will have an illness that will run its course without serious complications. The most critical factor in self care and the prevention of H1N1 influenza is the practice of good hand washing or the use of an alcohol based hand cleanser.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Pass on these words and not the H1N1 Influenza .
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccin ation_qa_pub.htm
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/849643.h tml