MORE ON H1N1 & SEASONAL FLU
Information about this pandemic vaccine has been difficult to keep up with. VNA expects H1N1 vaccine to be available by mid to late October. It is our understanding that the local health departments will be responsible for distributing the vaccine and it is expected that, at first, the vaccine will be made available only to those in the very high risk groups: Pregnant women and children.
VNA is working closely with the local health departments and will assist as needed in any mass immunization effort when H1N1 vaccine is made available.
While the seasonal flu is deadliest for seniors and the very young, H1N1 is proving to be hardest on children and adults with chronic conditions. Seniors have not been adversely affected by the H1N1and it is thought that this population may have some immunity against this strain of flu.
VNA reminds everyone that vaccination against H1N1does NOT substitute the need for seasonal flu vaccination or vice-versa. There is no word yet on whether H1N1 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine can be administered at the same time. While the seasonal flu vaccine does not offer protection against H1N1, it is critical that the importance of getting a seasonal flu shot not be downplayed.
The seasonal flu hospitalizes over 200,000 people annually and is the cause of approximately 36,000 deaths per year in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Visiting Nurses Association Of Southwest Florida, Inc.
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