H1N1 flu nasal spray has arrived. It can be used from some of the targeted groups for H1N1 flu protection. The injectable vaccine will arrive in the near future. The Madison Health District is developing a schedule of clinics for residents of Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Morris Plains and Victory Gardens.
H1N1 immunization is strongly recommended for pregnant women, young people from six months through twenty-four years of age, caregivers and household members of infants six months old and younger, health care workers, and adults up to age sixty-five with chronic illnesses.
Those wishing to register for a flu shot may do so by going online to www.rosenet.org and clicking on the H1N1 flu link box on the left side of the screen. The link will connect with the Health Department site containing information about the flu, at-risk groups and a clinic schedule and vaccine information statement and consent form when available. Immunization for H1N1 is free.
Two kinds of vaccine are available for H1N1. Both vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccine and are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines. They will not prevent "influenza-like" illnesses caused by other viruses nor will they prevent seasonal flu. Those wishing protection from seasonal flu should also get a seasonal flu shot.
Live, attenuated intranasal vaccine or LAIV is sprayed into the nose. It does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. It is licensed for people from two through forty-nine years of age. The vaccine virus is weakened so it will not cause illness. Pregnant women, people with long-term health problems, and children from six months to two years of age should not get LAIV. However, they are candidates for the injectable vaccine. The injectable vaccine has inactivated or killed virus in it and is injected into the muscle, like the annual "seasonal" flu shot.
Children under 10 years of age should get two doses of either vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the H1N1 flu shot for pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications from the flu and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated. Household contacts and caregiver for children younger than six months of age are advised to be vaccinated because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants under 6 months old might help protect the children by "cocooning" them from the virus. The age groups from six months through twenty-four years are recommended for immunization because those under eighteen have experienced many cases of H1N1 and they are in close contact with one another in school and daycare settings, which increase the likelihood of disease spread. Additionally, young adults nineteen through twenty-four years of age have also experienced many cases of novel H1N1 and they often live, work, and study in close proximity. People aged twenty-four through sixty-four who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza are also advised to be immunized.
The same groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza should also be considered at higher risk for H1N1 complications. These groups include: children and adolescents who are receiving long term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reyes syndrome after influenza virus infection; adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders; and adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV).
People age 65 and older are not included in the groups recommended to get the initial doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine because they are least likely to get sick with this virus and the limited early supplies of vaccine are recommended to go to those who are most likely to get infected and become very ill. Older people will be accommodated after the higher risk groups. The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends protecting oneself against H1N1 influenza virus early in the season.
Residents of Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Morris Plains and Victory Gardens are urged to visit www.rosenet.org for in depth information about the flu. They may also call the Madison Health Department "flu line" at 973-593-3079x7 for updated information on the disease and vaccination clinics. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has a flu hotline Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 866-321-9571.