The Influenza A H1N1 strain (aka. "swine flu") has not gone away since its appearance in Mexico in March 2009. It is now pandemic, but has maintained a low severity index.
The Kosciusko County Health Department is planning and preparing for the distribution of H1N1 vaccine which is anticipated to be delivered to our local health department in mid to late October. The Health Department is working with healthcare providers throughout the county to create options for the distribution of vaccine to the high priority groups.
The CDC's current guidance on high priority groups for vaccination include pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; all people from 6 months through 24 years of age; persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
A shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine is not expected, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable and there is some possibility that initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities.
Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers may also begin vaccinating everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years. Once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Many older adults seem to already have some existing immunity to the novel H1N1 virus.
