Flu Information

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE H1NI FLU
CALL THE HOTLINE NUMBER (740) 282-4161

JCGHD ENCOURAGES OHIOANS TO GET VACCINATED

DURING NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK

–As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) from January 10-16, the Jefferson County Health Department is encouraging those who have not received their H1N1 vaccination to do so. 

“The flu virus will be less likely to spread in the coming months if more people are vaccinated,” said JCGHD Director, Dr. Frank Petrola.  “Vaccination has proven to be the safest and most effective way to fight the flu so I encourage all Jefferson County residents to get vaccinated.”

NIVW is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine, after the holiday season and into January and beyond.    

The Jefferson County Health Department is offering free H1N1 flu shots every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm, Room 704, 500 Market Street, Steubenville.

Jefferson County Administers 4,500 H1N1 Shots in 2009

·        The Jefferson County Health Department has administered 4,500 H1N1 nasal and flu shots at 20 clinics in 2009. 

·        More Free H1N1 Flu Shot Clinics will be held throughout the county in 2010 as well as the free clinics every Tuesday and Thursday (9-11 am and 1-3pm), Room 704 in the health department office at 500 Market Street, Steubenville.

·        16% of the population in the region (which includes Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Guernsey, Monroe and several nearby counties) has already received their H1N1 shots.

A Summary of Center for Disease Control Key Public Health Messages this Season

·         CDC received reports of 285 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths in 2009….241 deaths due to 2009 H1N1.

·         Flu activity is expected to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses, although levels of activity are expected to vary during the season.

·         CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu:

o   vaccination;

o   everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick;

o   and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

·        There is no way to accurately predict the course of influenza epidemics.  Right now is a window of opportunity for more people to get vaccinated for 2009 H1N1 flu. Supplies of 2009 H1N1 vaccine are increasing.

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Jefferson County Likely Affected by Nasal Swine Flu Recall 

The Jefferson County Health Department says the recall is a potency issue and not a safety issue.

Drugmaker Medimmune is recalling nearly 5 million doses of swine flu vaccine because the nasal spray apparently lost strength over time

Becky Howell, Director of Nursing for the Jefferson County Health Department, says the county has used the vaccine from  Medimmune but she has not been notified of the specific lot numbers that have been recalled.  Howell says the county has more than likely distributed some of the recalled doses.

The Food and Drug Administration said that the vaccine is safe and patients who received the product should be protected from the H1N1 virus.

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Jefferson County not affected by H1N1 Recall

·          

Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 Pediatric (for 6-35 month olds) Vaccine

The Jefferson County Health Department has received doses of the vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur, but none of the vaccines are involved in the recall.

·          Summary: As part of its quality assurance program, Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., performs additional routine, ongoing testing of influenza vaccines after the vaccine has been distributed to health care providers to ensure that vaccines continue to meet required specifications.  In recent testing of the amount of antigen in its influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur found four distributed lots of single-dose, pre-filled syringe pediatric (0.25 mL.) vaccine with antigen content lower than required potency levels. The manufacturer is conducting a non-safety related voluntary recall of these affected lots of vaccine.

·          Background:  After performing these tests, Sanofi Pasteur notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the antigen content in one lot of pediatric syringes that had been distributed to providers was later found to have dropped below a pre-specified limit. As a result of this finding, Sanofi Pasteur tested additional lots and found that three other lots that had been distributed also had an antigen content that had fallen below pre-specified limits. This means that doses from these four vaccine lots no longer meet the specifications for antigen content. 

o   Approximately 800,000 doses of vaccine in these lots were distributed to providers. Again, none of the doses were sent to the Jefferson County Health Department

:

·          There are no safety concerns with these recalled lots of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and there is no need to revaccinate persons who have received doses from these lots.

·          The Jefferson County Health Department is still encouraging everyone to take advantage of their free H1N1 clinics.  To find out the places and times, log onto jchealth.com.

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H1N1 Caller Questionnaire:

Q.   Do I need the “Swine Flu” H1N1 shot? *My doctor recommends that I get it.

A. Initial focus groups for H1N1 vaccine
–Pregnant women
–People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
–Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
–Persons between 6 months and 24 years
–People ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk because of chronic 
  health disorders or comprised immune systems.

Q.   Are senior citizens eligible for the H1N1 shot?

            A. Currently the H1N1 shot is only available to the initial focus groups
               (see  above).  Eventually the vaccine will be available to anyone wanting to
               get the vaccine once these target groups are reached.

Q. If I’m pregnant can I get the H1N1 flu shot?

A. Yes you can receive the H1N1 shot, however it is recommended that you
    see your OB-GYN and obtain a prescription before you get vaccinated.

Q.  Can I be put on a list to receive the H1N1 flu shot?

A.  There is no list to be placed on to receive the shot.  The shots will
     be administered to the CDC recommended priority groups at several
     clinic locations.  The dates time, and locations of these clinics are
     not finalized.  

Q.   My child received information at school that school based clinics will be conducted. 
       Can you provide me with more information?
   
               A.  Children between 10 years of age and 19 attending a county school
                districts will have the option to get the H1N1 shot in a school vaccination
                clinic.  Each school will have different clinic dates and times.  Please check
                with your school’s principal or our website for the latest information.  If the
                child attends school in the City of Steubenville please check with the
                City of Steubenville, 283-6000 x1500 for their clinic dates, times,
                and locations.

                Children 6 months old up to 9 years of age will be asked to attend an after
                hours clinic hosted at either their school districts high school or at the
                Jefferson Community College.  Clinic dates and times have not been finalized.
                Adults 18-24 are also encouraged to attend clinics at these  locations too.

   If you cannot attend school based clinics, after hour clinics at high schools or
   Jefferson Community College, or during our normal business hours
   (Tuesdays/Thursdays 9-11 1-3), please check with your healthcare
   provider to see if they are providing the H1N1 shot.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE (WWW.JCHEALTH.COM) OR CHECK THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, RADIO STATIONS, AND TELEVISION STATIONS FOR DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATIONS OF H1N1 FLU CLINICS.

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W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W

2009 H1N1 influenza (sometimes called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It has spread to many countries.

Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people have to be hospitalized and some die.

Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other.

People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses).

The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is a new virus strain. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses.

Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).

Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza.
• These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines.
• They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.
• They will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses.
• They will not prevent seasonal fl u. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want protection from seasonal flu.

Live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (or LAIV) is sprayed into the nose. This sheet describes the live, attenuated intranasal vaccine.

An inactivated vaccine is also available, which is given as a shot. It is described in a separate sheet.

The 2009 H1N1 LAIV does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. It is licensed for people from 2 through 49 years of age.

The vaccine virus is attenuated (weakened) so it will not cause illness.

Who should get 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine and when?

LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions (see below). Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 LAIV first are healthy people who:
• are from 2 through 24 years of age,
• are from 25 through 49 years of age and
- live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, or
- are health care or emergency medical personnel.

As more vaccine becomes available, other healthy 25 through 49 year olds should also be vaccinated.

Note: While certain groups should not get LAIV – for example pregnant women, people with long-term health problems, and children from 6 months to 2 years of age
– it is important that they be vaccinated . They should get the flu shot.

The Federal government is providing this vaccine for receipt on a voluntary basis. However, state law or employers may require vaccination for certain persons.

Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

You should not get 2009 H1N1 LAIV if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have any severe allergies.

2009 H1N1 LAIV should not be given to the following groups.
• children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older
• pregnant women,
• anyone with a weakened immune system,
• anyone with a long-term health problem such as
- heart disease    - kidney or liver disease
- lung disease     - metabolic disease such as diabetes
- asthma            - anemia and other blood disorders
• children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing during the past year,
• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems,
• anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),
• children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment. If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait.

Tell your doctor if you ever had:
• a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine,
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS).

These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but the medical staff can help you decide.

2009 H1N1 LAIV may be given at the same time as most other vaccines. Tell your doctor if you got any other vaccines within the past month or plan to get any within the next month. H1N1 LAIV and seasonal LAIV should not be given together.

A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

The risks from 2009 H1N1 LAIV are expected to be similar to those from seasonal LAIV:

Some children and adolescents 2-17 years of age have reported mild reactions, including:
• runny nose, nasal congestion or cough • fever
• headache and muscle aches • wheezing
• abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea

Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported:
• runny nose or nasal congestion • sore throat
• cough, chills, tiredness/weakness • headache

• Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

• In 1976, an earlier type of inactivated swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). LAIV has not been linked to GBS.

Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness,weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can file this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

If you or your child has a reaction to the vaccine, your ability to sue is limited by law.

However, a federal program has been created to help pay for the medical care and other specific expenses of certain persons who have a serious reaction to this vaccine. For more information about this program, call 1-888-275-4772 or visit the program’s website at: www.hrsa.gov/countermeasurescomp/default.htm.

• Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
- Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.cdc.gov/flu
- Visit the web at www.flu.gov

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2009 H1N1 INFUENZA VACCINE
Inactivated (the "flu shot")

W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W

2009 H1N1 influenza (also called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It has spread to many countries.

Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people have to be hospitalized and some die.

How is 2009 H1N1 different from regular (seasonal) flu?

Seasonal fl u viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other.

People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses).

The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new flu virus. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses.

Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).

 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine

Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza.
• These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines.
• They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.
• They will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses.
• They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu.

Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot. This sheet describes the inactivated vaccine.

A live, intranasal vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine) is also available. It is described in a separate sheet.

Some inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal to keep it free from germs. Some people have suggested that thimerosal might be related to autism. In 2004 a group of experts at the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory, and found no association between thimerosal and autism. Additional studies since then reached the same conclusion.

Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine first are:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical personnel
• Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system

As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated:
• Healthy 25 through 64 year olds
• Adults 65 years and older

The Federal government is providing this vaccine for receipt on a voluntary basis. However, state law or employers may require vaccination for certain persons.

Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

You should not get 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have any severe allergies.

Also tell them if you have ever had:
• a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine,
• Guillain Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS).

These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but the medical staff can help you decide.

If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women can get inactivated 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.

Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccine.

What are the risks from 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

The virus in inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.

The risks from inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine are similar to those from seasonal inactivated flu vaccine:

Mild problems:

• soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given • fainting (mainly adolescents)• headache, muscle aches • fever • nausea

If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems:

• Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

• In 1976, an earlier type of swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, fl u vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS.

Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can fi le this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

 Vaccine injury compensation

If you or your child has a reaction to the vaccine, your ability to sue is limited by law.

However, a federal program has been created to help pay for the medical care and other specific expenses of certain persons who have a serious reaction to this vaccine. For more information about this program, call 1-888-275-4772 or visit the program’s website at: www.hrsa.gov/countermeasurescomp/default.htm.

• Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
- Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.cdc.gov/flu
• Visit the web at www.flu.gov.