Playing By The H1N1 Priority Rules

(Savannah) Rolling out a new flu vaccine has come with challenges.  The toughest- not enough to go around.  The encouraging news—the nasal spray form is still available at The Chatham County Health Department.  It’s designated for ages 2 to 24 only.  That’s because young people are more vulnerable for Swine Flu complications.  “So your school age children, your college student can still come in.  We still have the vaccine at this moment this week,“ says Dr. Diane Weems.  Scientists say age is a factor in determining who gets the H1N1 vaccine first.  When it comes to older people seasonal flu hits them hardest.  They showed up in droves at a September drive thru clinic in Savannah.  Unfortunately, if you’re 65 or older you will have a hard time getting the h1n1 vaccine.
“This year with H1N1 they are not in a priority group.  So even when we have additional doses we don’t expect that they will be a target group for vaccination until much later in the season if at all.“  The reason…seniors are considered the lease likely to become ill with H1N1.
“They seem to have some immunity from past exposure.“  The Coastal Health District, made up of 8 counties, just split 1,300 doses of the injectable H1N1 Vaccine. The Chatham County Health Department started giving shots to pregnant women today.  The batch is also for Emergency Medical Personnel.  The nasal spray form is still available for ages 2 to 24, but the supply is low.