Flu shots, mist available

Oregon one of 37 states where H1N1 flu is present

Photo By: Charissa BernardBe prepared
Diana Mendez, 6, gets an H1N1 flu mist administered Oct. 14 by North Marion School District nurse Christine Imdieke. North Marion was one of the first school districts in Oregon to get the vaccine, administering approximately 820 vaccinations.
SALEM — Three people in Marion County were hospitalized between Sept. 1 and Oct. 12 with H1N1 influenza.

Marion County Health Department (MCHD) has begun distributing the H1N1 flu vaccine, which arrived earlier this month from the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

According to health authorities, the vaccine should go first to pregnant women, people aged 6 months to 24 years old, those aged 25 to 64  with certain health conditions, caregivers for children under 6 months, health care workers, emergency services personnel, front-line law enforcement and public safety workers.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the flu is widespread in 37  states, including Oregon. There have been no deaths in Marion County.

Each county and tribe in Oregon is responsible for developing a vaccine distribution plan that best serves that county, depending on population, size of the county and specific needs of the citizens.

County health officials said the plan they have created is expected to ensure all residents who want the vaccine can get it in a timely manner.

“We are sending our initial shipments out to hospitals, health care providers, schools and emergency service providers,” said Karen Landers, Marion County health officer.

“Once everyone who is in a priority group has had access to the vaccine, we will make it available to the general public through local area health clinics, pharmacies, and at the health department.”

The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is expected to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a “very good” safety track record, according to MCHD.

The department noted the H1N1 vaccine is being made using the same manufacturing and approval process, and has been tested on thousands of volunteers nationally with no serious side effects reported.
There is currently an increased level of flu activity compared to last year due to the circulation of the novel H1N1 virus, authorities said. Children and young adults are the most affected.

It is not possible to say exactly how many people have or have had the H1N1 flu  because not everyone who becomes ill with the flu is tested.

In the U.S, only hospitalizations and deaths from novel H1N1 influenza are currently being reported.
MCHD opened its Departmental Operations Center (DOC) Oct. 12 to monitor influenza activity.

Activities of DOC staff include daily review and coordination of vaccine distribution plans, public information announcements and monitoring the current spread of flu.

“Opening the DOC will help us be prepared to do our job better to protect the public’s health,” said Public Health Division Director Pamela Heilman.

MCHD has recommended washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (if a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the elbow), stay home if sick, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth, and get vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 flu as soon as it is available.

An updated case count of hospitalizations in the U.S. due to confirmed novel H1N1 flu is available on the CDC Web site.

For additional information, visit http://www.flu.oregon.gov/, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/, or call the Oregon Public Health hotline at 1-800-978-3040.

The DOC contact information is 503-584-4870 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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marymoran from San Francisco, California
10/20/2009 7:54:46 PM

My child came home from school saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference. There is also an entertaining DVD that teaches them in a fun way the elbow cough, as well as other necessary hygiene habits. And this is effective REGARDLESS of the existence of a vaccine!

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