H1N1 Influenza
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The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that is currently causing illness throughout the world, is a new virus or what is commonly referred to as a novel strain. This virus was first detected in the United States in April of 2009, which is also when it was found in Ohio. The first confirmed case of the virus in Licking County was identified in July of 2009.
The
Licking County Health Department
recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination,
everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs, frequent hand
washing, and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral
drugs if your doctor recommends them.
2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun but initial supplies are small. More doses
are expected for shipment each week. We ask members of the public who want
to receive this vaccine to be patient as this program expands and more
vaccine becomes available. There will be enough vaccine available for
anyone who wishes to receive it.
H1N1 Vaccine Availability:
The Health Department's clinics are now
open to anyone over the age of 6 months.
Children under the age of 10 in need of an H1N1 booster are eligible to be
vaccinated at each clinic, as long as it has been a minimum of 28 days
since the child received its first H1N1 vaccine.
Clinic Schedule
Check Here for the latest updates
Additional clinics will be scheduled as additional shipments of H1N1 vaccine are received. Check back for updates.
Information Regarding
Recalled H1N1 Vaccine:
On December
22, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that the
vaccine manufacturer MedImmune was voluntarily recalling thirteen lots
of nasal spray H1N1 vaccine.
This amounts to approximately 4.7 million doses of the vaccine.
The reason for the recall is that testing has confirmed that the potency
of the vaccine provided in these doses was less than the originally
specified amount offered by the manufacturer.
The Licking County Health Department distributed 919 doses of the
recalled vaccine in October and November 2009.
The CDC has stated that the vaccine was more than likely fully
potent and within specifications at that time, and there is no need for
anyone who received this vaccine to be revaccinated.
This recall is not safety related, and the
CDC is not recommending that anyone who received the recalled vaccine
take any special actions.
The Health Department is in the process of gathering
the necessary information to contact those individuals that received the
vaccine. Every effort will be made to contact all of these individuals by the end of
the week of December 28, 2009.
To view the press release issued by the Licking County
Health Department regarding this recall:
Click Here
To view additional information from the CDC regarding
this recall:
Click Here
Transmission:
The H1N1 virus is spread through many
of the same modes as the seasonal flu virus. It can be
spread from
person to person through coughing and sneezing.
It can also be spread by touching a surface that has been infected with
the virus and then touching your mouth or nose. These surfaces are
often referred to as "high touch" surfaces and they include door knobs,
key boards, and telephones. These types of surfaces should be
cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.
Protecting Yourself and Others From H1N1:
Wash your hands frequently; alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective if soap and water are not available.
Cover you coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If you are sick, stay home until fever free for 24 hours without taking fever reducing medication.
Get vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal flu.
Information for Healthcare Providers:
Subscribe to the Licking County Health Department Health Alert Network for updates Click Here
To view the latest information from the Ohio Department of Health Click Here
Dose Spacing of H1N1 and Administration with Seasonal Influenza and Other Vaccines - Here
Dose Spacing of H1N1 and other vaccines for those 6 months through 9 years - Click Here
Administration of H1N1 with Seasonal Influenza and other Vaccines - Click Here
ODH H1N1 Testing Algorithm - 10/30/09
Recommendations for the use of PPE for Healthcare 11/03/09
Update: Key Issues for Clinicians Concerning Antiviral Treatments for 2009 H1N1 11/06/09
Requesting Antivirals and PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile: Contact Jonathon Dye at jdye@lickingcohealth.org or call (740) 349-6495.
To view the latest information from the Centers for
Disease Control Click Here
