Update on H1-N1 Virus Outbreak
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PUBLIC HEALTH - UPDATED H1N1 VACCINE INFORMATION UPDATE
August 27, 2009
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met July 29, 2009, to make recommendations on who should receive the new H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age.
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age.
• Children from 6 months through 18 years of age.
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age.
OTHER INFORMATION:
► It is still unknown how severe the virus will be during the fall and winter months.
► The CDC does not expect that there there will be a shortage of H1N1 vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable and there is some possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited qualities.
► It is also recommended that the people within the groups listed above should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities.
KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL 
It was very usual that the H1N1 continued throughout the summer. This worries authorities. They are intensively monitoring and will have to change strategies when monitoring shows a deviation from standard flu intervention practices.
The advice to parents and everyone remains the same. Please wash hands frequently, for how long? Authorities suggest two verses of "Happy Birthday". Also, if you have a fever stay home.
The CDC is expecting that 30% to 50% of the US population will be affected with the virus. Yes, this is above the regular seasonal flu virus. It is expected that there could be in excess of 30,000 to 90,000 deaths.
If you are in the high risk group listed above you should see a doctor immediately if you develop a fever and second. The first 48 hours of receiving treatment are critical.
Sneezes can spray 100,000 infectious droplets into the air at 200 miles per hour and land three feet forward. Whenever possible, use a disposable facial tissue when you sneeze, and then throw it away.
For more information, please contact the NJDHHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at 609-588-7512 or visit the NJDHSS web site at http://www.state.nj.us/health