H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information Sheets 2009-10

Student Consent Forms for H1N1 Flu Clinics:

Autorización Escolar para la Vacuna Intranasal para la Influenza H1N1 del 2009
Autorización Escolar para la Vacuna Inyectable para la Influenza H1N1 del 2009

Who should get the the H1N1 vaccine?

Everyone will be offered the H1N1 vaccine but there are some groups, who the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccine first. These groups are:

• 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 younger 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. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
  Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
  Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met; vaccination will begin for everyone ages of 25 through 64 years. Once vaccine demand for this group has been met, vaccination will be offered to people 65 or older. Current studies indicate that the risk for H1N1 influenza among person age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger groups.

H1N1 Information Resources:
Citizen Web Resources:
H1N1 Flu & You
Taking Care of a Sick Person
Maryland H1N1(Swine) Flu Response
Center For Disease Control
Know what to do about the Flu

Employers and Businesses Web Resources:

Healthcare Providers Web Resources:
www.dhmh.maryland.gov/swineflu/providers.html
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance

Telephone Numbers:
Kent County Health Department
410-778-1350

State of Maryland Call Center
1-877-MDFLU4U (1-877-633-5848)