DELAND -- The Volusia County Health Department is monitoring the county’s H1N1 swine flu vaccine allotment daily and approving vaccine orders from local providers and practices who ordered it. Currently, about 43,300 doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine have been allocated for use in Volusia County.
“We are receiving weekly vaccine shipments into Volusia County, but because of the delay of vaccine production nationally our vaccine
shipments are limited,” said Volusia County Health Department Director Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen. “We encourage those who ordered and are now beginning to receive the vaccine to provide it to those at greatest risk.”
The Volusia County Health Department encourages providers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for H1N1 swine flu priority groups:
● Pregnant women;
● Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age;
● Health care and emergency medical services personnel;
● People from 6 months through 24 years of age;
● People 25 years through 64 years who have health complications associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
About 180 local health care providers have registered to distribute the H1N1 swine flu vaccine to clients, staff, or the public. Volusia County residents in priority groups may consider calling their private doctors to check on vaccine availability. There may be a small fee.
The following providers or practices in Volusia County have been approved to receive a limited amount of H1N1 influenza nasal spray and
injectable vaccine:
● Family practice doctors;
● OB/GYN Offices;
● Hospitals ;
● Long-term care facilities/Assisted living facilities;
● Pediatricians;
● Pharmacies;
● Emergency services personnel'
● Colleges/Universities;
● VCHD clinics.
The health department also is conducting a series of school site vaccination clinics as vaccine becomes available.
“We know this virus is impacting young people greatly, so we are working with the Volusia County School District and other community partners to provide opportunities for parents to get their children vaccinated against H1N1 swine flu as the vaccine becomes available,” Sorensen said..
Once nationwide vaccine shipments pick up, the health department expects to have enough vaccine for everyone who wants it in Volusia
County, but that may not occur for several weeks.
While flu vaccines are the best public health tool against influenza, everyone is also encouraged to follow basic flu prevention measures such as:
● Covering a cough;
● Washing hands frequently;
● Avoiding work, school, or crowds when sick.
For more information about H1N1 swine flu, please visit www.VolusiaHealth.com and click on Let’s Fight Flu Together or call the Volusia County Health Department Flu Information Line at (866) 821-7704.