Health Advisory
REVISION OF VACCINATION PRIORITIES FOR 2009 H1N1

In a health advisory issued on October 21, 2009 the Division of Public Health (DPH) temporarily narrowed the target population for 2009 H1N1 vaccine to those most at risk, namely:

• Pregnant women
• People who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Children 6 months to 4 years of age
• Children 5 to 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions

While the vaccine supply is still less than was originally anticipated, DPH has distributed more than 60,000 doses of vaccine to healthcare providers and for vaccination in schools. Because of the increased amount of vaccine distributed, DPH is recommending healthcare providers who have sufficient vaccine now be guided by the original recommendations issued by CDC's Advisory Council on Immunization Practices for who should receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine. These groups are:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

Healthcare providers with an insufficient supply of vaccine to vaccinate the CDC recommended groups should continue to prioritize using their best medical judgment and knowledge of their practice's patient profile.

Questions about influenza vaccine supplies and distribution should be directed to DPH’s Immunization Program at 1-800-282-8672.

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