H1NI Flu Info

Since I teach at a large public university with almost 30,000 students, I am concerned about the flu. After researching I have decided I will get the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. Rhonda's university has already had a case. Here is more information from the Orange County Public Health Department and also here is a Google tracking site.

Novel H1N1 Vaccine Update

The Health Care Agency is actively engaged in planning for distribution of vaccine in response to the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating distribution of vaccine to the States after clinical trials assure its safety and efficacy. It is anticipated that vaccine will be available to targeted priority groups beginning in late October and through the fall and winter. Priority groups have been identified by the CDC as:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• healthcare and emergency medical services personnel,
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza complications because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

The California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch – in conjunction with local health departments - is organizing distribution of vaccine to qualified providers throughout California. The State is developing a web site for provider registration and vaccine ordering and expects to have the site go live in early September. The State and the Health Care Agency will work to alert providers of the availability of the site and the process for registration and ordering. In addition, the Health Care Agency will be working with community providers to assure full access to vaccine by individuals in the priority groups.

The Health Care Agency will provide additional information on this site as it becomes available.