In Iowa's Interest: The H1n1 Vaccine

October 19, 2009 -- While every flu season has the potential to cause sickness and visits to the doctor, this year we face not just the seasonal flu but also the H1N1 influenza virus. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that we take extra precautions to protect ourselves against the flu.

To keep from coming down with the H1N1 flu virus, the CDC recommends the 2009 H1N1 vaccine in addition to the regular flu vaccine. A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. The first doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been arriving in Iowa over the past week, and county health departments have been administering the H1N1 nasal spray vaccination as it reaches Iowa counties. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, local public health facilities in Iowa have received limited amounts of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine so far, however more shipments will be arriving in the coming weeks.

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Because initial shipments are limited, the first H1N1 vaccinations will be made available for the following high risk groups:
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

As more shipments arrive, they will be made available to all individuals.

In addition to the vaccine, all of us should use common sense to protect from the virus. Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and stay home if you are ill- at least for 24 hours after your fever is gone. These everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.

For more information about your county’s public health department and availability of the vaccine in your area, visit the Iowa Public Flu Vaccination Site Locator web page at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/webmap/default.asp?map=h1n1_vaccine_sites. For general information, Iowans can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ or by calling 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). You can also get information from the Iowa Department of Public Health at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/default.asp or by calling (515) 281-7689.

Source: Senator Tom Harkin