Seasonal and H1N1 (Swine) Flu Shots

We currently have 2 seasonal flu nasal mists, 5 H1N1 shots, and 9 H1N1 nasal mists left. If you are interested in receiving the vaccine, please call our office to make an appointment. Just as a reminder, the nasal vaccines are for people ages 2 to 50 who do not have a history of asthma.

The new Maryland Department of Health recommendations for the H1N1 vaccination can be found here. Also see a list of pharmacies that have government issued flu treatment medicines (Tamiflu and Relenza) for those who are unable to afford those medicines.

Those with risk factors for influenza should be especially encouraged to receive the H1N1 vaccination. These include:

• pregnant women,
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• healthcare and emergency medical services personnel,
• persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• persons between the ages of 25 and 64 years who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Those with risk factors for influenza should be especially encouraged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination. These include those:

• with chronic medical conditions
• over the age of 65
• under the age of 5
• pregnant women
• who have a high risk of exposure or spread of influenza, such as health care workers.

Flumist (nasal influenza vaccine can be given to healthy individuals age 2-49. You should not have a history of asthma or other chronic medical problem if receiving the Flumist. If someone under age 9 has not received the influenza vaccine before, a second shot (or dose of Flumist) should be given >4 weeks after the initial dose.

The health department has received a grant to give the seasonal influenza vaccine to ALL Cecil county school children. We encourage parents to have their children get the seasonal influenza immunization either here or at the schools. The majority of these may have already been given. Children with asthma or other chronic medical conditions should not receive the Flumist, and may need to get the flu shot in our office. The health department has also received H1N1 vaccinations to give to schoolchildren. We encourage all schoolchildren to get the H1N1 vaccination.

Co-pays will be collected at the time of administration of the vaccine as most insurance companies require that. Most insurance companies are covering the cost of administering the H1N1 vaccination. The vaccine is provided to physicians and other groups free of charge by the federal government (your tax dollars at work J ) If you have a question about whether your insurance policy covers a flu or H1N1 immunization, call your insurance company. You may also find a link to your insurance company’s websites, by looking at our website. If you confirm with your insurance company that you do not need to pay a copay for a influenza vaccine, let us know. Some policies do not require this.

For more H1N1 influenza vaccine information, see the CDC website as well as the US Department of Health's Flu.gov.

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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

For the latest information about the Swine Flu, visit the CDC's website.


What to Do If You Get Flu-like Symptoms

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).

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Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home

The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
People with novel H1N1 flu who are cared for at home should:

• check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema
• check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications
• keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• get plenty of rest
• drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands
• wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza.
• be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention.

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