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Every year in the fall we at public health initiate our campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.  This year we are also recommending people receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available later this fall.  Each of these vaccines protect against different flu viruses.  

The annual flu claims upwards of 30,000 deaths each year, some of them children. It is also the cause of school and workplace absenteeism.  We usually see the first cases of seasonal flu in our area in late November or December, but the number of cases peak in February or March.

This year the H1N1 flu virus is on everyone’s mind.  It is here in our community now, causing students to miss school and employees to miss work.  Unlike the seasonal flu this seems to be hitting younger people the hardest and is especially concerning for pregnant women.  

So what about vaccination? 

Seasonal flu vaccine is available now.  It is recommended for children 6 months to 18 years of age, pregnant women, people over 50, anyone with a chronic medial condition and everyone who lives with or cares for these people.   

The H1N1 vaccine will be especially important for children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.  Later this fall there will be announcements about where you can get your H1N1 vaccine.

Remember, when you receive the vaccine you are not only protecting yourself, you are protecting those who cannot receive vaccine, especially infants under 6 months of age.

See your health care provider, one of the local pharmacies that provide the vaccine, or come to a public health sponsored clinic.  You can find a list of Public Health sponsored clinics here.