The H1N1 Flu Vaccine: What You Should Know
As a part of New York City College of Technology’s on-going effort to keep you informed with the latest information regarding H1N1, we have provided below new information from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health (DOH) regarding the H1N1 flu vaccine.
The H1N1 flu vaccine is a separate vaccine from the seasonal flu vaccine and is available in two different forms: the “flu shot” and the nasal mist. Both forms of vaccine are effective in preventing H1N1, but the nasal mist is approved for healthy people ages 2 to 49 that are not pregnant. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is best for you.
According to the CDC, the U.S. government has purchased over 250 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, so everyone who wishes to receive a dose will have an opportunity to do so. Initially, however, until enough vaccine has been manufactured and distributed, vaccination efforts will focus first on people in five target groups who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 influenza or related complications, are likely to come in contact with influenza viruses as part of their occupation and could transmit influenza viruses to others in medical care settings, or are close contacts of infants younger than 6 months (who are too young to be vaccinated). The five target groups are:
· pregnant women,
· people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers),
· health care and emergency medical services personnel,
· people 6 months through 24 years of age, and,
· people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
After demand in these high risk groups has been met, vaccinations will proceed with everyone ages 25-64, and then those who are 65 years or older.
You may learn more information about the H1N1 vaccine at the following websites:
http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_keyfacts.htm
Where to get vaccinated for H1N1:
For additional information or to find out where you can get either the seasonal flu shot or H1N1 flu shot, call the toll-free NYC Department of Health's Flu Vaccination Information Line at 311. You may also search for flu clinic convenient to you and find more information on H1N1 in New York City on the flu website.
For more information on preventing the flu, check out this podcast from the CDC.
The Student Wellness Center is available to answer questions about H1N1and any other health-related matters. The Center can be reached at (718) 260-5910 and is located in Pearl 104. We will post more information as it becomes available.
Please continue to check the City Tech website for updated information.
