GAINESVILLE - The District 2 Public Health Departments - located in 13 northeast Georgia counties - are expanding the offering of the H1N1 vaccine to healthy children and young adults from ages 2 to 24 years of age, people who live with or care for children 6 months of age or younger, and health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact.
"These are the priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be offered the first doses of the H1N1 vaccine because they are either at greater risk for complications if they catch the disease, or because they have close contact with individuals in the high risk groups," said David Westfall, M.D., District 2 Public Health Director.
The nasal-mist type of vaccine was available first. Healthy individuals from 2 to 49 years of age in these groups can take the nasal-spray form of vaccine.
The CDC says that more vaccine, including the H1N1 flu shot, will soon be made available, but the process takes time and we all must remain patient. As more vaccine is shipped and the priority group requirements are met, the targeted groups will be broadened. This is especially important for pregnant women because they should not receive the nasal-mist vaccine, but will be one of the highest priority groups for the H1N1 flu shot.
"This is a massive and complicated vaccination operation," said Dr. Westfall. "One that requires coordination between public health, private health providers, vaccine manufacturers and medical distributors and is one of the largest vaccination efforts our nation has seen."
The District 2 Public Health Office serves Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties.
The H1N1 influenza pandemic began in the spring, and since then vaccine manufacturers have raced to make the vaccine and get it to providers. The vaccine is made using the same methods, manufacturers and facilities as the seasonal flu vaccine. No corners were cut in the production of this vaccine. It is safe and effective. The H1N1 vaccine is the best protection against this strain of influenza.
The Department of Community Health, Division of Public Health has provided a list of providers across the state that will be administering the H1N1 vaccine. To view the list, go to www.health.state.ga.gov , click on the H1N1 provider locator and enter your zip code. When you find a provider nearby, you need to call the provider to check on availability of vaccine before going to the office.
Saturday
October 5th, 2024
7:18PM
