The Bay County Health Department continued the community’s H1N1 Flu vaccination campaign by delivering over 1000 doses of H1N1 Flu vaccine to local obstetricians and pediatricians this week.

This will allow the physicians to vaccinate their patients. “Pregnant women and children are at highest risk for developing serious complications from the H1N1 Flu. Getting the vaccine into the hands of these specialists is one more way to ensure people in these groups are protected” according to Dr. Dennis Cookro, Bay County Health Department Acting Director. The vaccine is free and voluntary.

Physicians may, however, charge a small administration fee. Pregnant women should contact their physician’s office for advice on how to obtain the H1N1 Flu vaccine. Parents of children who are not in school or may have missed their school’s clinic should contact their child’s physician’s office for advice on obtaining the vaccine for their child.

“The entire country, including Bay County, has experienced delays in receiving H1N1 Flu vaccine. We expect to be able to offer the vaccine to residents outside the priority groups in the next few weeks, possibly December, but this depends on when we receive vaccine from the federal government” said Shawn Collins, Public Health Preparedness Planner for the Bay County Health Department. The health department will work with local media to let the public know when the general community H1N1 Flu clinics are scheduled.

Remember – H1N1 Flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. The Seasonal Flu vaccine and the H1N1 Flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. Check with your local health department or health care provider about getting your seasonal flu vaccine now.

The most important step in preventing the spread of H1N1 Swine Flu or any virus is to wash your hands for 20 seconds, or when soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer. Hand washing or use of hand sanitizer should occur frequently throughout the day. Also everyone should cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue then discard the tissue, or cough/sneeze into your elbow; and refrain from touching eyes, nose and mouth. It is very important is to stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with sick people. These measures will help minimize the spread of the virus.

For More Information, go to:
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website: http://www.flu.gov

The Florida Department of Health’s website: www.myflusafety.com

The toll free Florida Flu Information Line, 1-877-352-3581, is available 24/7 for recorded messages, and operators are available 7am to 7pm central standard time.

Your local county health department: www.baycountyhealth.org or call 872-4455