Injectable H1N1 Vaccines Arrive in Central Ohio -- 10.13.09
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH & FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH – Press Release
FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009
Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928 [email protected]
Mitzi Kline (614) 462-3028 [email protected]
Injectable H1N1 Vaccines Arrive in Central Ohio
First Doses will be provided to Healthcare and EMS Workers with Direct Patient Contact
Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long and Franklin County Health Commissioner Susan Tilgner announced the arrival of a limited supply of injectable H1N1 vaccines to central Ohio. The first doses will be provided to healthcare workers and emergency responders who have one-on-one direct patient contact because they are at high risk for infection and could put vulnerable patients at risk.
Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long and Franklin County Health Commissioner Susan Tilgner announced the arrival of a limited supply of injectable H1N1 vaccines to central Ohio. The first doses will be provided to healthcare workers and emergency responders who have one-on-one direct patient contact because they are at high risk for infection and could put vulnerable patients at risk.
The shipment received today, included: 8,200 doses and 6,600 nasal spray flu vaccines (flu mist). A small amount of H1N1 flu mist also was received on Oct. 9.
"As we receive small initial shipments of H1N1 vaccines, we are providing them to priority groups as recommended by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC)," said Dr. Long. "But eventually, as supplies of H1N1 vaccines increase, everyone who wants one will be able to get it to protect themselves and their loved ones."
Vaccines will be initially targeted to priority groups, including: pregnant women; caregivers of children less than 6-months-old; healthcare and EMS workers; and, children 6 months to 4-years-old. Pregnant women and children are more vulnerable to H1N1 and are at higher risk of developing severe complications. Additional shot availability will be announced as vaccine flow develops.
In the coming weeks, vaccines will be available to the community through retail establishments, private physicians and community and school based public health clinics. While shots will be provided free of charge, there may be nominal administrative fee at some private health care or retail locations.
"Vaccination clinics are a key component in our community’s defense against the H1N1 pandemic," said Tilgner. "Preparing for the flu is a shared responsibility and it takes all of us – businesses, public health, healthcare providers, schools, individuals and families – to keep our entire community healthy and safe."
Both commissioners strongly recommend residents also protect themselves by:
- Covering their cough
- Staying home when they’re sick and avoiding sick people
- Frequently washing their hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Getting a seasonal flu shot now and an H1N1 shot as they become available.
Public health continues to track flu illnesses in order to take necessary steps to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza. Visit us at Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or visit our Web site at www.columbuspandemicflu.org or www.publichealth.columbus.gov for frequently updated H1N1 information and resources. Additional information also is available at www.flu.gov or by calling the Central Ohio Community Flu Hotline at 211or 221-2255.
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