Flu activity is now widespread in 46 states. A flu vaccine is the single best way to protect against influenza illness. This season, there are two vaccines – one for the seasonal flu and one to protect against the H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”).
The H1N1 vaccine is already, or will soon be, available and it will continue to be available throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of flu activity can vary.
If you or members of your family are in the following target groups, you should be vaccinated against H1N1:
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients.
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older.
Cooper University Hospital will be vaccinating our employees following the recommendations of the CDC. Clinics for other high-risk groups are being planned. Our web site will continue to have updated information about vaccination clinics.
The most readily available clinics are being offered by county health departments. You can find dates, locations and times on your county’s web site or by calling their office. Or you can call the New Jersey H1N1 Hotline, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-866-321-9571, for locations close to you. The vaccine is free of charge.
For more information about H1N1, including our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), be sure to visit the H1N1 Influenza Resources page on cooperhealth.org.