FLU FACTS; Some groups have priority to receive the H1N1 vaccine

EDITOR'S NOTE: Beginning today, Flu Facts will appear in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages throughout the flu season. In each article, you will find information on influenza, seasonal and/or H1N1. We will present FAQs, information on prevention, treatment, vaccine - just to mention a few topics. Readers interested in knowing more are urged to visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.flu.gov.

Flu season is upon us. Seasonal flu shots have been available since late summer, and many people have already had them. Over the upcoming weeks and months, vaccine for the H1N1 flu will become available. Certain groups are designated as High Priority to receive H1N1 vaccine, and every effort will be made to accommodate these individuals first.

As with seasonal flu, vaccine will be available at the Health Department, hospitals, doctor's offices, and various retail stores.

HIGH PRIORITY TO RECEIVE THE H1N1 VACCINE

• Pregnant women

• Health care and emergency medical services personnel

• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years

• People between the ages of 25 and 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of complications

• Household contacts and caregivers for children under the age of 6 months (babies under 6 months cannot be vaccinated)

Local health officials are optimistic that H1N1 vaccine will be available to all groups by the end of the year, and possibly sooner.

In the meanwhile, health officials urge residents to be patient until they become eligible for their H1N1 vaccine, and to practice good health habits like covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, frequent hand washing and staying home if they become ill.