State health officials announced today that all Oklahomans who want to reduce their risk of H1N1 infection are now eligible to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine. While vaccine supplies remain limited, demand from priority groups has dipped to a point where all Oklahomans can begin to receive vaccine.
“While we continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination for the priority groups, especially children and pregnant women, we are going to begin to vaccinate the general population today,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. “Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself from the H1N1 flu and slow the spread of this pandemic. H1N1 influenza activity has been widespread in Oklahoma since early September and even though statewide monitoring has recently shown a decline in influenza-linked hospitalizations, this virus is expected to circulate throughout the winter months. The possibility also exists that another surge of H1N1 flu may follow the current one.”
Since September 1, 890 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to complications from influenza and 27 persons have died. Ninety percent of the H1N1-related deaths have been persons less than 65 years old. This finding contrasts significantly with seasonal flu which tends to cause the greatest proportion of deaths among persons older than 65 years. The best protection against getting the flu is to receive both the vaccine for H1N1 flu and seasonal flu.
Oklahomans seeking the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to check with their physician’s office or county health department. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) expects an additional 90,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine to be delivered to the state this week. The doses include both nasal spray and injectable vaccines. Supplies remain limited and the state expects to continue to receive vaccine through January.
“In addition to our health departments, numerous private health providers now have a stock of the vaccine and can provide immunizations,” Payne County District Nurse Manager Pam Dvorak, RNC said. “We encourage patients to check with their physicians to see if they are offering the vaccine.”
Special H1N1 immunization clinics are being offered at both PCHD locations each week. The Stillwater location, 1321 W. 7th, is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every Monday and Friday through the month of November with the exception of November 27. Cushing is offering vaccinations 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, November 20. For patient convenience, these clinics are open through the lunch hour.
For more information, please call 405/372-8200 or 918/225-3377.
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