WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | CHD receives small supply of injectable H1N1 vaccine

CHD receives small supply of injectable H1N1 vaccine

From the Coastal Health District:

SAVANNAH, GA - The Coastal Health District, which includes Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties, has received 1,300 doses of the injectable form of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. Due to the limited amount of vaccine, District Health Departments are targeting two of the priority groups recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated; and
• Emergency medical services personnel because they are essential critical response partners and can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients.

     County Health Departments are sharing the vaccine with some area obstetricians and gynecologists who initially requested vaccine from the state of Georgia but have not yet received any. Women who are pregnant are encouraged to contact their personal physician to check on H1N1 vaccine availability. Outreach to emergency medical services personnel is being coordinated through individual county health departments.

     "Initially we will have to limit the scope of those we target for vaccination. We do not have enough quantities at this time to give the vaccine to everyone who wants it and we ask for the public's patience and understanding as we move forward with our vaccination efforts," said Dr. Diane Weems, Coastal Health District Chief Medical Officer. "Eventually, we hope to have enough vaccine for everyone."

     The District received 3,200 doses of the nasal spray form of the vaccine in early October. The vaccine is being developed in the same way that seasonal flu vaccine is developed. The H1N1 vaccine has been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has proven effective in fighting the H1N1 virus.

     Health departments will not charge for the vaccine; however Medicaid, Medicare and some private insurance can be billed for a nominal administration fee.