• SEASONAL FLU SHOT CLINICS:

We currently have no Seasonal Flu Shots due to manufacturer delays.  We may receive more doses in November and will schedule a Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic at that time.

• H1N1 flu shots 
• We are beginning to receive small amounts of H1N1 vaccine weekly.  We will try to begin small flu shot clinics as we receive vaccine.
• First H1N1 clinic will be scheduled 11/19/09 from 2-4 PM.  We will only have about 100 doses.
• You MUST meet one of the following criteria:

1) Pregnant women
2) People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
3) Health care and emergency medical service personnel
4) Children15-24 years of age
5) Adults 25-64 years with chronic health disorders (ie asthma, chronic heart disease,  diabetes, or weakened immune systems)

• Patients 65 and older currently do NOT qualify for the vaccine unless they are caring for an infant 6 months or younger, even if you have chronic medical conditions.
•   (www.cdc.gov)

The best prevention of influenza is good hand hygiene.  Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

• Flu Symptoms:  Remember that the signs and symptoms of seasonal influenza and H1 N1 flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Occasionally, diarrhea, and vomiting can occur, but are not as common. Immediate medical attention is needed if you experience flu symptoms and the following: pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, dizziness, and flu symptoms that improve and then worsen with fever and coughing.
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and come to the office to be evaluated, please immediately put on one of the facemasks provided in the waiting room. Seasonal influenza and H1N1 are spread by droplet particles, including those produced through a cough or sneeze. Wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of illness to others.

CDC H1N1 vaccination plan:  The H1N1 vaccine is in production, but is not yet available. It will not replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is still unknown how severe the H1N1 flu season will be this fall.  When the H1N1 vaccine starts to become available, there are expected to be shortages. The CDC has given the following groups the highest priority in receiving the vaccination first:

1) Pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age,

2) Health care and emergency medical service personnel

3) Children 6 months through 4 years of age, and in all children 5 years through 24 years of age.

4) Adults ages 25 through 64 with health conditions associated with higher risk of complications would be next to receive it and then all adults ages 25 through 64.

5) Adult ages 65 and older appear to have immunity for this novel flu strain and at this time, the CDC is not recommending vaccination for these adults until all of the above have been vaccinated.

We will continue to update you of any changes in these recommendations