CARROLL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

H1N1 (SWINE FLU) UPDATE

31 August 2009

 

GLOBAL:  World Health Organization reports, as of 28 August, 209,438 laboratory confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus with at least 2,185 deaths.  Decreases in the disease are reported from South America, the United Kingdom and parts of Australia.  Increases are reported from southern Africa.

 

WHO’s Global Pandemic Phase remains at SIX (the highest).  Measures spread, not severity.

 

NATIONAL:  As of 28 August, 8,843 hospitalizations and 556 deaths have been reported to the CDC.  Age groups of deaths:

·       0-4 years: 15

·       5-24 years: 86

·       25-49: 235

·       50-64: 158

·       65+: 50

·       no age reported: 12

 

During the week of 16-22 August, H1N1 influenza activity is mostly stable across the U. S., however the Southeast has experienced an increase in activity.  The U. S. is currently operating under a Public Health Emergency as proclaimed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

 

There has been no indication that the H1N1 virus has increased in virulence.

 

When referring to the 2009 H1N1 flu, especially in written documents, CDC now recommends that “Swine Flu” appear in parentheses after H1N1.  This is to reduce the public’s confusion between the seasonal and H1N1 (Swine Flu) influenza viruses.

 

MARYLAND:  On August 24, 2009 the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported the State’s seventh death associated with H1N1 infection.  This death was in an elderly adult from the Washington suburbs with serious underlying medical conditions.

 

During week 33, CDC lowered the State’s influenza activity from REGIONAL to SPORADIC.  Sporadic is one level above “no activity.” 23 other States share this level with Maryland.

 

CARROLL COUNTY:  Carroll County Health Department’s 2009 SEASONAL flu and pneumonia Clinic schedule

 

                                         2009 FLU AND PNEUMONIA CLINIC SCHEDULE

 

The Carroll County Health Department will be offering Flu and Pneumonia vaccine to persons AGE 18 and OVER on the following dates and times.

 

Friday, September 18, 2009 

9:00 – 4:00

Carroll County Health Dept.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

9:00 – 4:00

Carroll County Health Dept.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

10:00 – 3:00

Carroll County Ag. Center Sr. Expo.

 

 

 

Children’s Clinic – Ages 12-17         Intramuscular Injection Only*

Thursday, September 24, 2009

4:00 – 7:00 pm

Carroll County Health Dept.

*Children must have a consenting adult attend the clinic with them.

 

CHARGES:  Flu Vaccine - $20.00 for all persons not eligible for Medicare Part B.  **Medicare will be billed for Medicare Part B participants who present their Medicare card and are not enrolled in a Medicare HMO.  Payment by Cash and Check only.

 

Pneumonia Vaccine - $50.00 for all persons under 65 who have a doctor’s order.  Medicare will be billed for eligible persons age 65 and older.

 

For Further Information Call 410-876-3003

 

The Carroll County Health Department was notified on 31 August that its SEASONAL influenza vaccine may not arrive when expected.  While the manufacturer did not indicate a major delay, it did not provide any specifics as to the new arrival date.

 

 

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:

·       Vaccine Distribution:  Last Thursday, CDC indicated that when vaccine begins to arrive, possibly during the last 2 weeks of October, it will NOT now arrive in separate shipments approximately one week apart as previously expected, but will flow continuously into local jurisdictions.

 

Those physicians, practices and organizations which desire to administer H1N1 vaccine in their private practices this Fall and Winter need to register on the State Health Department’s website: H1H1Info@dhmh.state.md.us

 

·       Provider Agreements:  CDC indicated last Thursday that Provider Agreements (which must be electronically signed and returned by ALL providers who administer H1N1 vaccine) would be sent to the States for distribution to the locals.  This Agreement will be shared with the addressees of this Update when received from the State.

 

·       Mass vaccinators:  CCHD has approached CCPS’s 55 School Health Nurses and the 500 nurses at Carroll Hospital Center to offer temporary employment at CCHD to staff mass vaccination centers.  To date 27 nurses have shown interest and have been mailed employment applications – 3 completed applications have been returned to CCHD.  CCHD will also contract with a “Rent a Nurse” organization to be able to quickly obtain nurse vaccinators if necessary.  Additionally, 89 front line physicians (Internists, Family Practice, Pediatricians, Obstetricians, etc) were sent letters inquiring as to their interest in administering H1N1 vaccinations in their private practices. To date 45 physicians have indicated they plan to do this.  Finally, the County’s Emergency Medical Service has sought approval from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System to permit Paramedics to administer the H1N1 flu vaccination to the County’s public safety personnel.

 

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATION FOR A CARROLL COUNTY RESPONSE:  When H1N1 vaccinations begin toward the end of October, currently the FIRST recipients will be:

v   Pregnant women

v   People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.

v   Children 6 months through 4 years of age.

v   Children 5 years through 18 years who have chronic medical conditions

v   Health care, emergency services, and public health personnel with DIRECT patient contact.

 

Please consult the 4 August 2009 H1N1 Update for a description of the expanded priority group when vaccine is sufficient.  All Updates are posted on CCHD website: www.carrollhealthdepartment.dhmh.md.gov