Concerns about the Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccination

The CDC stresses that people over the age of 65 are still among the most vulnerable for the seasonal type of flu, and recommend they receive their annual flu shots as soon as they are available.

The H1N1 vaccine is being manufactured now and might become available in early october. The federal government is controlling the distribution of the vaccine and setting priorities as to who is to receive the vaccine initially. We are staying in close contact with the local authorities and will have up to date information as soon as it becomes available.

When the H1N1 vaccine is first available, the committee recommends that programs and providers try to vaccinate:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• health care and emergency services personnel
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age
  
• people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gob/h1n1flu