Day: October 15, 2009

This year we will have two different sets of vaccines-Seasonal Flu Vaccine and H1N1 Flu Vaccine. The first two Seasonal Flu Clinic dates have been announced and H1N1 clinic dates will be announced soon.

Seasonal Flu:  Click here for  Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinic Dates.  Vaccination is recommended for all persons who wish to reduce the likelihood of their becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected, however it is especially recommended for:

• children 6 months – 18 years
• persons with chronic health conditions
• immuno-suppressed
• individuals receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• residents of long-term care facilities
• pregnant women

It is important to note that while the seasonal influenza won’t protect you from the new H1N1 flu, it WILL protect you from the seasonal flu — which will likely be circulating at the same time that H1N1 flu is circulating. Initial shipments of seasonal flu vaccine will be targeted toward residents >65 years, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. The Gloucester Health Department will hold two initial seasonal flu clinics on October 8th from 8am-1pm at the Rose Baker Senior Center and October 15th from 9-12 noon at the Fuller School.

Additional community clinics and school-based seasonal flu clinics will be announced as soon as the Health Department receives additional vaccine.

H1N1 Flu-The H1N1 vaccine will be available soon. Clinical trials have shown that one dose of H1N1 vaccine should produce immunity in adults. Children may require two doses of the H1N1 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control state that there will be plenty of H1N1 vaccine for all who want it but the initial shipments should be prioritized for the following groups who have been shown to be at highest risk from complications of this novel flu virus:

• Pregnant women
• HH contacts/caregivers of infants < 6 m/o
• HCP and EMS
• Persons 6 mos – 24 yrs/old
• HR persons 25 – 64 yrs/old

Once the H1N1 vaccine is received, Health Departments will partner with doctor’s offices, schools, and day care centers to make sure high risk individuals are offered the vaccine. In addition, large clinics will be held throughout Cape Ann for other eligible residents. Stay tuned to the city website http://www.ci.gloucester.ma.us for dates and times of scheduled seasonal flu clinics as well as H1N1 flu clinics. Contact the Health Department for more information (978) 281-9771 or call the Flu Information Hotline at 978-282-8080 for up to date flu clinic information.

Flu outbreaks evolve in unpredictable ways; it is impossible to know whether this outbreak will decrease, remain the same, or grow in coming weeks, and whether the illness will remain at its current severity which, on the whole has been relatively mild.