Swine flu vaccine available

Malynda Fulton

Nov. 7, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- VALDOSTA -- The H1N1 flu shots are now available at the Lowndes County Health Department.

Health departments within the South Health District received their initial supply of the injectable vaccine earlier this week and have been dispensing it to the priority groups set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The five priority groups to receive the H1N1, or swine flu, shot first include:

l pregnant women,

l people who live with or care for infants younger than six months of age,

l health-care and emergency-medical personnel,

l anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age,

l anyone from 25 to 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

South Health District Public Information Officer Courtney Sheeley said the health department has approximately 800 doses left and could run out as soon as next week.

"Now that the word has gotten out that the shots are here, the health department is averaging 50 shots per day," Sheeley said.

The H1N1 shot was made just like the seasonal flu vaccine and is expected to be as safe and effective.

"The H1N1 vaccine will not prevent you from getting sick from the seasonal flu or other illnesses with flu-like symptoms," Nursing and Clinical Director Debra Adams said in a statement from the South Health District. "Persons interested in being protected from seasonal and H1N1 influenza should get both vaccines this year."

The H1N1 virus spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and touching objects contaminated with the virus. Signs of the 2009 H1N1 virus can include fatigue, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, coughing and sneezing. Some people may also have diarrhea and vomiting. Most people feel better within a week, while others have to be hospitalized due to complications such as pneumonia, according to the CDC.

To learn more about H1N1 or get the vaccine, call your local health-care provider, local health department or South Health District, (229) 333-5370. Vaccine Information Sheets are available at www.southhealthdistrict.com; or www.cdc.gov.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0338-39517024