LEWISTON, IDAHO - Throughout the summer and early fall, Public Health - Idaho North Central District has been working with our medical community, schools and community partners in preparation and anticipation of the arrival of H1N1 vaccine. Last week we received our first small shipments of H1N1 vaccine.Public Health will focus on the target groups as identified by CDC for this vaccine. These groups include:
- Pregnant women;
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age;
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel;
- Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old;
- People ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
We are working closely with our medical providers to provide vaccine to them so they can vaccinate individuals in the target groups. We are working with the local school districts and higher education to coordinate school clinics. Parental consent forms and educational information will be sent home with students K-12 very soon as permission is required for students to be vaccinated in the school setting.
Once good coverage of priority groups has been achieved Public Health will encourage all citizens to protect themselves, coworkers and the community by getting the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination. Public Health will make the vaccine more broadly available in the community through health providers and through special flu clinics. All vaccine administered by Public Health will be free to the public.
Protect yourself and those around you by following the prevention tips below:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often;
- Cover your cough and sneeze with your sleeve, not your hand;
- Stay home if you are sick. An individual must be free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications at which time people are generally no longer infectious;
- Avoid contact with those who are sick;
- Don’t share food utensils or beverages with others;
- Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
For further information please view our website at www.idahopublichealth.com or call our influenza information line at 1-208-748-0400 or 1-866-736-6632.