UPDATED 3/5/10
WE ARE CONTINUING TO OFFER FLUMIST AND INJECTABLE VACCINE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CDC.
If this H1N1 pandemic strain behaves like previous pandemic strains, it will produce the greatest mortality and morbidity among healthy young adults in contrast to the very young and elderly. This is thought to be due to an overly-robust immune response by the strongest of the population to the novel antigen which can cause serious lung complications.The very young and the elderly are less able to mount such a robust immune response. All age groups are expected to be affected by this virus to some degree.
Pregnant women are among the highest risk for complications.
It is speculated that those alive in the 1950's may have some residual immunity from a related strain that circulated at that time.
When we begin to distribute our supply of vaccine ,EACH PARENT WILL BE REQUIRED (by the governmement) TO SIGN A FORM STATING THAT THEY HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION STATEMENT. IF THIS IS NOT DONE PRIOR TO COMING TO THE OFFICE THE DELAYS IN ADMINSTRATION OF VACCINE ARE GOING TO BE ENORMOUS! IT IT TRULY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THE INFORMATION SUMMARY SO THAT YOU CAN SIGN THE ADMINISTRATION FORM WITHOUT DELAY UPON ARRIVAL AT THE OFFICE.
The Flumist form(LAIV) of Seasonal and H1N1 Influenza vaccines cannot be given simultaneously and must be separated by a minimum of 1 month. For patients under 10 years of age, it is recommended that the patients receive 2 doses of H1N1 vaccine 1 month apart..The Flumist form of H1N1 vaccine can be given with any other injectable vaccine. live or inactivated.
The injectable (inactivated) forms of Seasonal (TIV) and H1N1 (Monovalent )vaccines can be given simultaneosly and in conjunction with any other vaccine.
The information about H1N1 and preparations for dealing with it are a rapidly evolving story. we recommend that you keep up with all the developments by consulting one of several reliable websites.
www.cdc.gov
www.aap.org
www.who.org
