PRESS RELEASES

For Immediate Release

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Atlantic County Begins to Distribute H1N1 Vaccine

The Atlantic County Division of Public Health recently received its first delivery of the H1N1 vaccine and is currently working with Executive Atlantic County Superintendent of Schools Thomas Dowd to provide vaccine to students throughout area high schools. Individuals from 6 months through 24 years are among the populations targeted by the federal Centers for Disease Control to receive the H1N1 vaccine.

“We are starting with our high school students and plan to offer vaccinations to other youth within the target populations as more vaccine becomes available,” stated County Health Officer Patricia Diamond.

Additional target populations include: pregnant women, healthcare and emergency medical personnel, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, and individuals 25 through 64 years old who have certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system. Although the vaccine is currently arriving in limited quantities, the CDC is assuring the public that everyone who wants it will eventually be able to receive it.

“Children and young adults have been more seriously affected by the H1N1 flu strain,” noted Diamond. “It appears to be disproportionately impacting these populations, as compared to seasonal flu that typically hits our seniors the hardest.

According to Diamond, letters will be going home to parents and guardians of high school students to advise them of opportunities to receive the H1N1 vaccination in their respective schools during school hours. The letters remind parents/guardians that the vaccine is voluntary and is also available from many local pediatricians, physicians and pharmacies.

Parents and guardians are also reminded that children 6 months through 9 years of age must receive two doses of the vaccine, approximately 30 days apart. Individuals 10 years and older need only receive one dose of vaccine for full protection.

Approximately 250 emergency medical services personnel were innoculated with the H1N1 vaccine on October 30 by nurses on staff with the Division of Public Health.

“First responders will be called upon to help transport those who may contract H1N1 and require hospitalization. They are included in the populations targeted by the CDC to receive H1N1 vaccinations. We recognize the importance of protecting those who so often provide our first line of defense,” Diamond said.

The Division of Public Health also plans to provide several public H1N1 vaccination clinics once it receives additional vaccine shipments.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to continue to engage in protective hygiene practices and to stay informed by visiting the county Web site at www.aclink.org and by calling the county flu hotline at 677-5720 for updates.

Click here for more information.