Information Combats Fear

Elizabeth Bailey

Nov. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Now that doses of vaccine against the H1N1 virus have begun to arrive in Decatur County, area residents are faced with the decision of whether or not to have themselves or their children vaccinated.

Decatur County Department of Health Public Health Nurse Sue Colee offered some insight into facts that should inform this choice. She reminded the community that not everyone needs to seek out the vaccine. The priority groups include pregnant women, household members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, all people from 6 months through 24 years of age and people from 25 -- 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

For those over the age of 64, she noted, previous exposure to this general type of influenza has likely created a natural immunity. This is why the age group is excluded from the priority list. For those on the list, she noted, the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

While many have voiced concern that the vaccine is new and "untested," Colee explained that it is neither new nor experimental. She continued by saying the same process has been used in creating this vaccine as any other in the past 20 years. The procedure is based on approved standards in the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is. It is quality tested and follows the same lot-release procedures as other vaccines.

Colee also noted that the United States has a good track record when it comes to influenza vaccines dating back to the late 1970's. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) share the responsibility of safely monitoring all vaccines.

"The H1N1 vaccine is safe," she said.

Area doctors have been participating in the distribution of the vaccine since it began arriving in Decatur County. From OB/GYN practices to pediatricians and doctors in general practice, efforts to make the vaccine accessible to targeted groups have been successful. Community members have also come out in force to the Wednesday vaccination clinics held each week at the Department of Health, Colee reported.

For those between the ages of 25 and 64 who have special conditions that might be complicated by the virus or its vaccine, special hours at the Department of Health are held on Tuesdays.

Area drug stores also have an interest in distributing the vaccine when the volume becomes great enough to allow for it, she said. There is no anticipated shortage, especially for those in the priority groups.

Colee also explained that for children under the age of 10, two doses administered 28 days apart will be the best way to assure immunity. The first dose, she said, primes the body to prepare the necessary antibodies while the second will illicit an immune response. This is true for most vaccines routinely given to children, she noted.

If individuals are concerned about the H1N1 vaccine, Colee recommends getting better informed by conducting research on the Internet, specifically visiting sites with information from the CDC, FDA, Indiana State Department of Health and medical professional associations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

"There is a lot of good information out there," Colee said. "There is no need to be fearful."

It is also important to remember, she noted, that the H1N1 virus is generally a mild illness lasting two-to-three days. For some patients, however, it becomes more serious. If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms and begins to have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath accompanied by blue lips or fingernail beds, the situation calls for immediate medical attention. Other signs that need attention are signs of dehydration, such as refusing to take in fluids, crying without tears or changing diapers much less than usual. The list of signs of concern goes on to include sudden dizziness, confusion and not responding to or interacting with others.

Colee also noted that although hand sanitizer can be a good resource when soap and water are not available, there is no substitute for regular hand washing for combating disease.

The Department of Health holds regular vaccination clinic hours on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. The office can be reached at 663-8301.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0371-39448146