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STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

Flu Prevention

County News Release
Update on H1N1 Vaccine Availability

Date:  Aug. 19, 2009
Contact:  Mary Beth Murray, Administrative Director, Rogers County Health Department
Phone:  918-341-3166

As the annual fall flu vaccination season nears, the Rogers County Health Department notes that it has received several calls from the public about the availability of the new H1N1 flu vaccine.

“Our expectation is that we will begin to see some of the new flu vaccine delivered to Oklahoma in mid-October,” said Rogers County Health Department Administrative Director Mary Beth Murray. “At this point we are uncertain how many doses will actually be distributed in the state, or how much of the new vaccine will be available in Rogers County.”

If early shipments provide limited doses, health officials will be implementing a plan to provide the vaccine first to those key populations that are most impacted by the new H1N1 virus, including the following:

  • Pregnant women
  • Health care workers and emergency medical responders
  • People caring for infants less than 6 months of age
  • Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age
  • Persons aged 25 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions

“In the meantime, Rogers County citizens should still get their annual seasonal flu shot,” Murray said. “This shot is different from the H1N1 vaccine and will protect against this year’s seasonal influenza virus strains. The shot will be available for anyone who wants to be protected against seasonal flu. It is also available for children 6 months and older.”

Mary Beth Murray said seasonal flu vaccine should be available at the Rogers County Health Department in mid-to-late September.

To help prevent the flu, follow these flu prevention recommendations:

  • Cover your cough.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has ended without the use of fever-lowering medications.
  • Get a vaccine when it becomes available.

For more information, call the Rogers County Health Department at 918-341-3166 or visit this Web site: http://h1n1.health.ok.gov.