With an additional 80,000 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine expected to be delivered to the state this week, state health officials announced they have expanded the list of those who can now get flu vaccinations.
New priority groups include all young adults ages 19 to 24, all health care and emergency medical workers and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months. These new groups are in addition to previously announced priority groups.
Health officials emphasized that H1N1 influenza continues to be widespread across Oklahoma. Since Sept. 1, more than 800 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to complications from the flu, and 20 people have died.
Ninety percent of the H1N1-related deaths have been to those younger than 65. This contrasts with the seasonal flu, which tends to target the elderly. The best protection against getting the flu is to receive the vaccine for H1N1 and seasonal flu.
While supply of the H1N1 vaccine is still limited, a greater number of Oklahomans is now eligible to be immunized. The 80,000 new doses include both nasal spray and injectable vaccines. Carter County Health Department Administrative Director Mendy Spohn said walk-ins will be accepted at the county health department, and many private health care providers now have the vaccine.
It is always a good idea to call beforehand to make sure there are doses of the H1N1 vaccine available.
“The smaller county health departments have big clinics scheduled, but walk-ins are welcome (there) too,” she said. “We should get more vaccine weekly.”
Those seeking vaccinations will be screened to ensure that they fall into one of the eligible priority groups and to verify Oklahoma residency. People not included in one of the priority groups are encouraged to be patient, as state officials expect to continue to expand availability as supplies allow. In addition to providing vaccine through regularly scheduled clinics, county health departments have begun to distribute vaccine to private providers with an emphasis on practices that serve children and pregnant women. These providers have signed agreements with the state health department to follow priority group guidelines targeting those with the greatest need.
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
