H1N1
UPDATES from the Livingston Health Department - First
Update
The
2009 H1N1 flu virus, previously known as Swine Flu, is a new
influenza virus that has been rapidly spreading from person-to-person
causing illness. In response, we are continuing to coordinate
efforts with local healthcare workers and the local Boards
of Education.
The
Health Department was recently granted approval from the New
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) to
order its supply of vaccinations, which is expected to arrive
in the next few weeks. Using guidelines set forth by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Township will
prioritize distribution of the vaccine based on the target
groups as follows:
•
pregnant women,
• people who live with or provide care for infants younger
than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers),
• health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• people 6 months through 24 years of age, and,
• people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain
medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related
complications.
We have received a limited number of vaccines from the Essex
County order and with those vaccines; we are immunizing EMTs
in our service area, pregnant women and caregivers of infants
age 6 months and younger. As soon as we receive our placed
order, clinic dates and locations will be set. All Township
clinics will offer the vaccination free of charge. It is recommended
that pre-school aged children seek the vaccination through
their pediatrician, and pregnant women should also check with
their doctors for vaccine availability. If administered through
the Township clinics, it is suggested that pregnant women
and other adults in the above listed target groups bring a
physician’s prescription/note.
Vaccines
will be offered to all other township residents only after
the above outlined target groups are vaccinated and as per
approval of the NJDHSS.
Public health officials are urging residents to take necessary
precautions since the H1N1 flu virus is transmitted in the
same way that seasonal flu spreads. To protect yourself and
loved ones please:
•
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
or sneeze/cough into the crook of your elbow.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
Of
course, both children and adults are urged to stay home if
they have flu-like symptoms. The general guideline is that
you can return to school or work 24-hours after an un-medicated
fever dissipates.
The Health Department will be working closely with the Board
of Education, the West Essex Tribune and the township webmaster
to publicize clinic dates and locations.
The
NJDHSS has set up a free hotline for questions related to
H1N1 influenza and vaccination. This hotline can be reached
by calling 1-866-321-9571 Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please
visit the following two resources for reputable and current
information: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
and http://www.flu.gov/.
These websites will have the most up to date information.
