Kevin L. Green
The Rush County Health Department reports that small shipments of the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine have been received and that shipments will continue weekly, as the vaccine is manufactured and distributed throughout the United States.
At this time, there have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 in Rush County, according to Terri Nigh of the local Health Department.
When made available to the general public there will be no charge for the actual vaccine, which is being paid for by the Centers for Disease Control, but an administrative fee may apply. Donations also will be accepted.
Details on when the vaccine will be available to priority groups will be forthcoming; watch the Rushville Republican, check rushcounty.gov or call the Health Department (932-3103) for more information.
The priority groups for vaccination are: pregnant women; healthcare and emergency medical professionals; people living with, or caring for, infants younger than 6 months of age; people 6 months to 24 years of age; people 25 to 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions.
According to the local Health Department, the following are facts regarding the H1N1 flu vaccine.
Fact: The H1N1 flu vaccine will not protect you from the seasonal flu, so you should get your seasonal flu shot as soon as possible.
Fact: The H1N1 flu vaccine injection contains a “killed” virus and you cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
Fact: The 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been approved by the FDA, and is being manufactured and distributed as quickly as possible.
Fact: The U.S. government has purchased 250 million doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, so everyone who wants a vaccination can eventually get one. There is no shortage.
Fact: Your doctor is still your best source of information and guidance to keep you and your family healthy.
Nigh said the local Health Department currently does not have vaccines for seasonal flu. Again, when those are available the information will be distributed through the Rushville Republican and the county’s Web site.
Kevin L. Green can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 108 or via e-mail at kevin.green@indianamediagroup.com. Add a comment to this story at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
