Healthcare providers, including the Loudoun County Health Department, will begin receiving the first shipments of H1N1 “swine flu” vaccines in the next two weeks, according to Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the health department. Additional staff has been added to assist with vaccinations at the health department.
“We have noticed more people in the schools and the community with flu-like symptoms,” said Goodfriend. “Increased illness is typical for this time of year, with school back in session, cooler weather and people staying indoors, where disease is transmitted.”
At a presentation to the Loudoun county Board of Supervisors on Oct. 6, Goodfriend noted that school absences were running at 15 percent, rather than the usual 5 percent. He urged that the practices used so far to prevent the spreading of the disease be continued, including frequent hand-washing, covering coughs, and staying home from school or work when sick.
Over 100 healthcare providers in Loudoun County were previously registered to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Once available, most residents should be able to be vaccinated by their family doctor, “But if they don’t have a doctor, they can come to the health department,” said Goodfriend. “No one should go without the vaccine, which we will administer at no charge.”
Goodfriend explained that the vaccine is being delivered through national distributors, with each state receiving an allotment based on population, and that healthcare providers who have not registered for the vaccine may still do so.
While vaccination is neither restricted nor mandatory, Goodfriend urged those most at risk – including pregnant women, infants and young children, those with chronic illness and healthcare workers – be the first to receive the vaccine. “We urge the people in those groups to be vaccinated first, and others to wait to get their vaccinations in a couple of weeks,” said Goodfriend.
Persons with questions about H1N1 are urged to contact the Loudoun County health Department at flu@loudoun.gov.
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When will people with Chronic Illnesses be able to receive the H1N1 vaccine in Loudoun County? I really don't care to lose my husband to this virus.