H1N1 (Swine Flu)
H1N1 vaccine now available to general public: Snohomish County supply sufficient to drop CDC restrictions
As of Dec. 10, the Snohomish Health District lifted all restrictions on administering H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine in Snohomish County. The small shipments of vaccine that arrived in Snohomish County in October had previously been available only to emergency healthcare workers and those at high risk of complications from H1N1 infection.
H1N1 vaccine is now available at Providence Physician Group clinics. Just call your provider's office to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. To learn more, visit www.snocoflu.com or www.snohd.org.
H1N1 nasal spray vs. shot
Both the nasal spray (contains live virus) and the shot (contains inactivated virus) will be available at the clinics noted above. Please note that some people cannot get the nasal spray.
It is advised that you should not get the nasal spray if you are: Over 50 years old Pregnant Have asthma or lung disease Had one or more episodes of wheezing in the past year Have heart disease, diabetes or endocrine disorders Have cerebral palsy or seizure disorder Have a history of swallowing problems Have a weakened immune system, cancer or HIV Are on any medications that weaken the immune system
Who should consider getting a H1N1 (Swine Flu) shot? Healthcare and emergency services personnel Pregnant women People who have contact with children under six months old People 6 months to 24 years old People 25 to 64 years old with chronic health conditions
What about H1N1 vaccines for children? Should I get a seasonal flu shot, H1NI or both?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes recommendations about who should get which shot. There are different target groups for seasonal flu shots and H1N1 shots. Seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day if you fall into both categories. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine. The target groups for each are listed above.
Seasonal Flu
We are currently out of seasonal flu vaccine but are expecting additional vaccine to arrive at a later time. Please note that receiving a seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from H1N1 (Swine Flu). You need to receive a separate vaccination for H1N1. Who should get a seasonal flu shot? Children ages 6 months to 18 years Pregnant women People age 50 and older People with chronic medical conditions People who live in nursing homes People who live with or care for those at high risk for flu complications Health care and emergency services personnel People who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu
If you visit one of our clinics with flu symptoms: If you're coughing or sneezing, we'll ask you to put on a mask and use an alcohol-based hand cleaner to wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as this spreads germs quickly. Your provider will determine whether a flu test or medication is necessary. Prophylactic medication (in case you might get sick) is not recommended.
How can I stay healthy during flu season? Cover your nose and mouth with your arm or a tissue when you cough or sneeze Wash your hands often with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as this spreads germs quickly. Whenever possible, avoid close contact with sick people and avoid being in crowds. Influenza spreads mainly through infected people coughing or sneezing. If you are mildly sick, stay home until you are symptom-free for 24 hours. If you have severe body aches, fever, headaches, chills, cough, and sore throat, please call us and we will be happy to see you.
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