H1N1 Resources for Iowans
This year all Americans are facing the one, two punch of the seasonal flu coupled with the H1N1 influenza virus. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that we take extra precautions to protect ourselves against the flu.
Currently, every county in Iowa is receiving the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. As of Friday, October 23, Iowa had been allocated 124,500 doses, and 106,800 doses had been shipped to the state. For more information about your county's public health department and availability of the vaccine in your area, visit the Iowa Public Flu Vaccination Site Locator.
Because initial shipments of the H1N1 vaccine are limited, the first vaccinations are available for the following high risk groups:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
As more shipments arrive, they will be made available to all Iowans.
For general information, Iowans can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov or by calling 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). You can also get information from the Iowa Department of Public Health at http://www.idph.state.ia.us or by calling (515) 281-7689.
In addition to the vaccine, all of us should remember to use common sense to protect from the virus. Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and stay home if you are ill- at least for 24 hours after your fever is gone. These everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.
