Patrick-Murray Administration Announces Expanded Eligibility to Receive H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Vaccine supplies now adequate to make it available to all who want it
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BOSTON — The Patrick-Murray Administration's Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that there is now enough H1N1 vaccine available in the state to begin offering vaccination to all residents who wish to get immunized against the H1N1 flu. Until now, vaccination had been prioritized for people at especially high risk of complications from the flu, including pregnant women, children and adults with chronic health conditions.
More than two million doses of H1N1 vaccine have now been received in Massachusetts, including several large shipments in the past two weeks. DPH expects that large quantities of additional vaccines will arrive between now and early January. As a result, state health officials have asked their local public health partners to begin holding large-scale public flu clinics after the New Year that will be open to all residents regardless whether or not they are in a priority group.
"While the amount of flu we’re seeing in the state has fallen off in recent weeks, we fully expect that we could see another spike in illness later this flu season," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. "We want to encourage all residents to take this opportunity to protect themselves against H1N1 flu by getting vaccinated — especially those at higher risk of complications from flu."
Some local public flu clinics that have already been planned for this month for high-priority groups may choose to expand participation to all residents. However, the bulk of large-scale flu clinics for all comers will begin to take place in early January. As these open clinics are scheduled, they will be listed at www.mass.gov/flu. Residents can also find clinic locations by calling 2-1-1.
Vaccine at all local flu clinics will be provided free of charge however, people with health insurance are encouraged to bring their insurance cards in order to defray costs incurred by local officials in holding clinics. If you forget your insurance card or do not have insurance you will still be vaccinated for free.
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For those of you who have pregnant women and their household contacts still seeking an H1N1 vaccination, Emerson is holding a limited clinic on Saturday morning, December 19th from 10a – 12p in the lobby of the New Clough Birthing Center at the Hospital. Emerson asked me to pass the word to the area Health Departments, as they are not publicizing this clinic. Both FluMist and injectible will be available.
*****SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*****
The CDC has issued a non-safety related recall of four lots of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 pediatric vaccine due to antigen levels in those lots being below the pre-specified limit. The Stow Board of Health has NOT been supplied with any of the recalled pediatric H1N1 vaccine. Anyone who has received H1N1 vaccine through the Stow Board of Health has NOT received the recalled vaccine.
KEY H1N1 FLU INFORMATION
The MA Department of Public Health continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local partners to increase surveillance activities for regarding H1N1 the Commonwealth. For the latest information in MA, please visit the H1N1 blog and the DPH H1N1 flu page. (www.mass.gov/flu). For more information on swine flu from the Centers for Disease Control, please visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Specific questions can also be answered by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the Mass211 website at Mass 2-1-1, as Commonwealth's primary telephone information call center during times of emergency, offering citizens the opportunity for 24/7 access to vital H1N1
Influenza information
PUBLIC HEALTH FACT SHEET H1N1 Flu
(Swine Flu)
What is H1N1 flu?
Flu is a disease of the body’s breathing system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is short for
“influenza.” H1N1 flu is caused by a new virus that was first recognized in April of 2009, and was called
“swine flu.” H1N1 flu quickly spread to many parts of the world and is now a “pandemic,” or global
outbreak. H1N1 flu is not the same as swine flu, which is a virus that pigs can get. It is not the same as
“seasonal” flu which occurs every year, during the winter and early spring. But H1N1 flu causes symptoms
that are similar to seasonal flu, is spread like seasonal flu, and can be prevented like seasonal flu.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
H1N1 flu symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu symptoms. Most common are fever, cough, and sore
throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired. Some
people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms last from a few days to up to a week or more.
Is H1N1 flu serious?
Yes, H1N1 flu can be very serious. In the U.S., several thousand people were hospitalized and several
hundred died between April and August, 2009. Like with seasonal flu, some people are at higher risk of
serious health problems when they get the H1N1 flu. This includes pregnant women, infants, and people
with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, muscle or nerve conditions that
affect their breathing and weakened immune systems.
How does H1N1 flu spread?
The flu virus is in the wet spray (droplets of saliva and mucous) that comes out of the nose and mouth of
someone who coughs or sneezes. If you are close enough to a person with the flu (3 - 6 feet) when they
cough or sneeze, you can breathe in the virus and get sick. Flu symptoms start 1 - 4 days (usually 2 days)
after a person breathes in the virus.
Flu is spread easily from person to person. The virus can also live for a short time on things you touch like
doorknobs, phones and toys. After you touch these objects, you can catch the virus when you touch your
mouth, nose, or eyes. However, when the wet droplets on these types of objects dry out, the virus can’t
cause infection. Adults with the H1N1 flu can spread it from about one day before symptoms appear to
about one week after. Children can spread the flu even longer after they get sick.
How is H1N1 flu treated?
There are drugs available that your doctor may prescribe to treat H1N1 flu. The drugs work best if started
soon after the start of symptoms. Your doctor can determine if you need treatment.
People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy
foods, wash their hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. Over the
counter pain relievers may help people with the flu feel more comfortable. Children and teens with the flu
should never take aspirin, because a rare but serious disease called Reye syndrome can occur.
Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?
Yes. A vaccine helps your body to protect itself against a disease. A vaccine has been developed and will
be available during the fall of 2009 and winter of 2010. Most people will need two shots of H1N1 vaccine,
separated by 3 weeks or so. Getting flu vaccine will not give you the flu or any other type of illness.
Who should get H1N1 flu vaccine?
Five groups have been identified by CDC to get this vaccine when it becomes available: pregnant women;
people who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare
providers); healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; people age 6 months to 24 years; and
people age 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related
complications. Note: Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons over 65 years of age is
less than the risk for persons in younger age groups.
How do I know if I have H1N1 flu?
If you have symptoms of flu, it could be seasonal or H1N1 flu. If you think you have the flu, stay home
from work and school and avoid contact with others so you do not spread the virus. If you think you might
have flu and you need to see your doctor, call ahead and let them know you might have the flu. That way,
your doctor’s office can take steps to avoid the spread of flu to others. The doctor may recommend that you
be tested for influenza.
How do I protect myself from getting sick with H1N1 flu?
• Get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available, especially if you have a medical condition which
makes health complications from the flu more likely.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based hand gel.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Throw the tissue in
the trash and wash your hands. Always wash your hands before you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Use a regular household cleaner to clean surfaces that might get flu virus on them like door knobs,
phones, faucets and toys.
• Avoid close physical contact with people who are sick. People with young children, a weak immune
system or a chronic medical condition should avoid large crowds, if possible.
• Stay home from work and school if you get sick with a flu-like illness and avoid contact with
others so the virus does not spread. Stay at home until you have been free from fever for at least
24 hours after your last dose of fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol, Advil or Motrin). For
most people this will mean staying at home for about four days.
How do I take care of someone who is sick with H1N1 flu?
Flu: What You Can Do - Caring for People At Home is a booklet available in nine languages that gives you
lots of information to help you care for someone who has the flu in their home. A video is also available in
English and Spanish. Flu: What You Can Do information can be found at: www.mass.gov/flu .
Where can I get more information?
• Call your doctor, nurse or clinic, or your local board of health
• Call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Immunization Program at:
(617) 983-6800 or toll-free at (888) 658-2850
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at www.mass.gov/flu
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at: www.cdc.gov/flu
• Mass 2-1-1 provides flu information for the general public:
o call 211 or 1-877-211-MASS (6277)
Updated September 3, 2009
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Flu Vaccine Update:
To date, MDHP (Massachusetts Health and Homeland alert Network) has received and distributed 631,530 doses of state-supplied seasonal flu vaccine, whis is 71% of our total order of 885,000 doses. We have been informed by the manufacturers that we can expect additional shipments over the course of the next 4-6 weeks with the balance of our vaccine not arriving until the end of November.
The supply situation for private-purchased vaccine is similar. Approximately 77 million doses of seasonal flu caccine have been distributed nationally, as of October 2, 2009. this is approximately 61% of the expected doses for this season.
"FLU FACTS: What You Need to Know" is a statewide educational campaign to inform the public about the three different types of flu (seasonal flu, avian or bird flu, and pandemic flu) and the importance of planning for a pandemic. Initiated in October of 2006, municipal boards of health and over 60 organizations teamed up to help Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) educate the public and protect the health of residents across the Commonwealth through the Flu Facts campaign. In the fall of 2008, MDPH redesigned the Flu Facts posters and hand cards. The campaign now includes four additional language translations, which are available to the public by utilizing the Materials Request Form found on this website.
Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your family
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Get a flu shot every year
Create an emergency supply kit with your family
For updated information from the Department of Public Health regarding the H1N1 Flu call MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) by dialing 211 on your telephone.
The Stow Board of Health is in contact with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Center for Desease Control through conference callingand the HHAN (Health and Homeland Alert Network) for updates on the swine flu. Public Health Fact Sheet - Swine Flu
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Description of Duties:
Overview:
The Board of Health is the local authority responsible for disease prevention and control, public health and environmental protection, and promoting a healthy community. It derives its power from the General Laws of Massachusetts.
The Board enforces local and state regulations governing wells and water supplies, septic systems and sewerage, trash and recycling, animal control and husbandry, mosquito control, public bathing beaches, tobacco control, food services, disease prevention, medical care, and social services. It can develop and implement health policies through local regulations that can be more stringent than state regulations.
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Emergency Information:
In case of emergency (unforeseen public health condition requiring prompt action) during business hours, call the office.
In case of emergency during non-working or non-office hours, contact one of the committee members listed below.
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