It’s Not Too Late To Get the H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine
The H1N1 virus is still circulating across the United States and in El Dorado County, and causing illness. Fortunately, the vaccine to protect against H1N1 is now readily available at doctor’s offices, local pharmacies and through the El Dorado County Health Services Department.
Get the H1N1 Vaccine Free of Charge
The El Dorado County Health Services Department, Public Health Division continues to offer the H1N1 flu vaccine at no cost. All people over the age of six months are welcome. To schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, please call (530) 621-6100 in Placerville or (530) 573-3155 in South Lake Tahoe.
Children Ages 9 and Under Are Recommended to Get Two Doses
For the best protection against H1N1, it is recommended that children ages 9 and under get two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.
Senior Citizens Can Receive
the H1N1 Vaccine
The H1N1 vaccine is now readily available.
All age groups can benefit from the vaccine, including older Americans.
Who is Most At Risk?
Children with asthma and people with neuromuscular disorders (such as Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy) have been especially hit hard by the H1N1 virus. Pregnant women, individuals with a respiratory condition, immune disorder, diabetes or obesity are also at high risk for complications if they become sick with the H1N1 virus. For these individuals, it is especially recommended that they receive the H1N1 vaccine. Individuals in this group are encouraged to consult with their health care provider if they have questions about the vaccine.
Who Should NOT Get the H1N1 Vaccine?
There are certain people who should not get flu vaccine (such as infants under the age of 6 months and people who are severely allergic to eggs). Please speak with your doctor if you have concerns about whether the vaccine is right for you.
How Safe is the H1N1 Vaccine? The H1N1 flu vaccine is made using the same methods as the seasonal flu vaccine, which has a very good safety record. The most common side effects of the vaccine are pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given in the arm or a runny nose and headache after the nasal spray. Most people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reaction. For more detailed information about the vaccine see: Key Facts About 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine
What if I Get the Flu?
If you develop flu-like symptoms (fever of 100 degrees with cough), stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Most people who get the flu need supportive care such as extra fluids, rest and over-the-counter medication. However, if symptoms are severe or persist, speak with your health care provider. Pregnant women and people at high risk of complications due to the flu(such as those with a respiratory condition, immune disorder, diabetes or obesity) are particularly encouraged to consult with their health care provider early (within the first 48 hours of symptoms) if they develop flu-like illness.
Tips to Prevent H1N1 (Swine) Flu:
Get your H1N1 flu vaccine.
Stay home if you have flu symptoms (fever with cough) until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. Do not go back to work or school with a fever.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissue away.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Seek medical care for severe respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing or for dehydration from vomiting and/or diarrhea. You may also need to seek early medical attention if you have a chronic health condition that puts you at risk for complications of flu.
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the Pandemic Alert Level from Phase 5 to Phase 6. The change reflects the novel H1N1 Influenza A's (swine flu) geographic presence in more places around the world, but does not signify an increase in the flu's severity.
Pandemic influenza, or pandemic flu, is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. To date, the virus has been mild in most cases. Since this is a new flu virus for which the population has little or no immunity, scientists and health officials are concerned that as the virus spreads through populations, mutations to the virus could cause illness to become more serious and persist into the fall flu season with greater infectivity.
Individuals should take action to be better prepared for a pandemic.
The following links provide information to help you prepare for Pandemic Influenza.
