Who Gets the  Swine (H1N1) Flu Vaccine First???

Due to the potential shortage of Swine Flu Vaccine, those recommended to get it first are:

• children 6 months to 4 years old
• pregnant women
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months
• children 5 thru 18 with chronic medical conditions
• health care workers

The Health Department plans to target the 2 to 3-year olds first with the flu mist.

Older individuals seem to have some pre-existing protection possibly from a similar virus that circulated in the 1960's and 1970's.

Fortunately, the disease has been relatively mild so far.  There have been the tragic deaths of children, but children die during the seasonal flu epidemics as well, so this is not really any different.  Almost everyone will recover without hospitalization;  many will beat it in just a few days.

Avoiding the Spread of Flu in Your Household:

• Keep the sick person in a separate room.
• Only one person should be in contact with the sick individual.
• All household members should diligently practice good handwashing.
• The sick person should avoid close contact with the caregiver.
• The sick person's laundry should be handled carefully, and eating utensils should be thoroughly washed before reuse.

11/03/2009