CARROLL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

H1N1 (SWINE FLU) UPDATE

14 SEPTEMBER 2009

 

GLOBAL:  World Health Organization reports, as of 6 September 2009, 277,607 cases of 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus with at least 3205 worldwide deaths.

 

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

 

NATIONAL:  As of 4 September 2009, 9,079 hospitalizations and 593 deaths reported to CDC. Age groups of deaths: (Note:  CDC did not update these groups on its 11 September 2009 report)

·       0-4 years: 16

·       5-24 years: 93

·       25-49: 249

·       50-64: 171

·       65+: 57

·       no age reported: 7

 

Regional increases in influenza activity are being reported most notably in the south eastern states.  The U. S. continues to operate under a Public Health Emergency as proclaimed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on 26 April 2009.

 

There continues to be no indication that the 2009 H1N1 virus has mutated to increase in virulence.

 

BREAKING NEWS!  IT APPEARS THAT ONLY ONE H1N1 SHOT WILL BE REQUIRED.  Australian drug maker CSL Ltd., published results of a study that found 75% to 96% of vaccinated people should be protected with a single dose – the same degree of effectiveness as the regular winter flu shot.  Immunity begins building after only 10 days.  The National Institutes of Health intends to publish results of its own study confirming the one shot requirement.

 

MARYLAND:  No new deaths associated with H1N1 reported since 24 August 2009.  Currently deaths stand at 7.

 

CDC has raised the State’s influenza activity from SPORADIC to WIDESPREAD as of 11 September 2009.  WIDESPREAD is the highest rating.   Maryland shares this rating with 10 other states.

 

The CDC released its approved Provider Agreement about two weeks ago; the State Health Department continues to finalize its “H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Administration Record” (copy attached) which it intends to incorporate into the Provider Agreement.  ANY provider wishing to receive H1N1 vaccine MUST sign and return the Provider Agreement to the State. 

 

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

 

 

OTHER  IMPORTANT NOTES: 

 

·       Vaccine Ordering and Distribution:  ANY provider wishing to receive and administer H1N1 vaccine MUST register on the State Health Department’s website: H1N1Info@dhmh.state.md.us.  CDC’s national vaccine distributor (McKesson) will only ship vaccine in batches of 100 doses and only in increments of 100 doses.

·       Mass Vaccinators:  CCHD has received 55 completed applications for temporary State employment from nurses interested in serving as mass vaccinators.  These applications have come from nurses from the Carroll Hospital Center, the School Health Nurses from the public school system, the second year nursing students from Carroll Community College and from the general public.  CCHD is currently designating mass vaccination sites for use when sufficient amounts of vaccine are available.

·       CDC Antiviral Recommendations:  CDC has posted new recommendations for the use of antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza).  Clinicians are encouraged to check the CDC website for the details, but the GENERAL guidance is that antivirals should be used on hospitalized patients who are suspected to have influenza; the very young, the very old with chronic medical conditions; and  pregnant women in general.  Most children, adolescents and adults who have influenza like illness do not need antiviral medication.

 

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A CARROLL COUNTY RESPONSE:  The “smaller” and “expanded” priority groups (to be vaccinated) remain the same, dependent on how much vaccine is initially received.  See descriptions of these two groups on the 31 August and 4 August Updates, respectively at www.carrollhealthdepartment.dhmh.md.gov