Still Vital to Get H1N1 Vaccination

By Dr. Fred Schwartz.   Marin County Public Health Officer.

AT A TIME when flu season is usually just beginning, the level of flu-like illness across the country continues to surpass that of even the busiest years. This year, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus hit early and hard, especially impacting the young, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.

As this pandemic, the first since 1968, continues to unfold, prevention is critical, and vaccination is key. Vaccine supplies have been limited, but will be increasing, as public health staff work with health care providers to vaccinate those at greatest risk. To date, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, partnering with local community health clinics, has held three free H1N1 vaccination clinics - in San Rafael, Point Reyes and Marin City - successfully administering nearly 3,700 doses of the H1N1 vaccine to high-risk Marin residents.

With the dedicated help of Marin Medical Reserve Corps health care professionals, staff from HHS and other county departments, and community volunteers, the clinics were expertly planned and organized and efficiently run.  Registered nurses safely delivered the injections as volunteers managed the front of the line and guided people their way. Public health nurses spoke to each person in line, screening them for high-risk status and answering medical questions. They were assisted by interpreters who translated information for non-English speakers.  Other county staff managed the event logistics and operations, ensuring safety and prompt public service.

The Incident Command System used for this event relies on defined objectives, planning, leadership and designation of specific responsibilities, and is a cornerstone of emergency preparedness and response. The smooth operation of the November clinics underscored the importance and effectiveness of this method of handling an urgent public health effort.

Our H1N1 flu prevention efforts are continuing, with a fourth free vaccination clinic scheduled for Saturday in Novato. There will be 1,500 doses of the injectable vaccine available at this clinic.

The public should be aware that while most people recover uneventfully, the H1N1 flu is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, hospitalization and even death. The risk of infection and the severity of complications are greater for certain members of our population.  In keeping with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are vaccinating these high-risk individuals first: pregnant women; children, teens, and young adults (ages six months to 24 years); adults (ages 25 to 64) with chronic medical condition such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes; individuals living with or caring for infants under six months old and health care or emergency medical personnel.

Prevention is key with the flu and vaccination is our best tool. It's not too late to plan to get vaccinated against H1N1 flu as well as seasonal flu, as vaccine becomes available. More H1N1 vaccine will be coming to HHS and Marin health care providers in coming weeks.  Once those in high-risk groups have been served, vaccine can become more widely available.

We can all help control germs and prevent spreading the flu virus with five simple steps:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wash your hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home when you're sick.
• Keep informed and share the news. Get the latest updates on flu and vaccine information at www.marinflu.org.

The Marin Department of Health and Human Services is committed to health, well being and safety. You can help by being committed to prevention-and by getting vaccinated.