H1N1 UPDATE FOR JAN. 28, 2010:

More Pharmacies Providing Free H1N1 Vaccine: In an ongoing effort to ensure that Delawareans have easy access to the H1N1 vaccine, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) continues to subsidize the cost of the vaccine so that participating Delaware pharmacies can offer the shot free of charge to anyone 18 years of age or older. More pharmacies are getting involved in this endeavor, making access to the needed shots as easy as possible for anyone wishing to be vaccinated. DPH officials urge everyone to get protected, saying that Delawareans cannot become complacent since the threat of an increase in H1N1 cases remains possible.

Pharmacies currently offering free H1N1 shots are:

More pharmacies will be offering the vaccine free of charge within the coming days. By law, pharmacists in Delaware cannot vaccinate persons younger than 18 years. A list of free H1N1 vaccine locations is kept current on the DPH website, www.flu.delaware.gov

"We really can't stress enough the importance of prevention in battling disease. While current reports show that there is still a low incidence of H1N1 flu in the state, it could easily return. We're making sure this vaccine is easily available to everyone, regardless of where in the state they live. We truly appreciate those pharmacies partnering in our efforts to get the vaccine to as many Delawareans as possible." said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director.

Case Counts: For the period of Jan. 17 through Jan. 23, there were 27 reports of influenza-like illness from the DPH network of sentinel providers, compared to 13 the previous week. No cases of H1N1 virus were confirmed by the DPH lab, compared to none the previous week. The total number of confirmed H1N1 cases since Oct. 4 is 1972. There were no hospitalizations from H1N1 during the week of Jan. 17 through Jan. 23.

School Vaccinations: The CDC continues to emphasize vaccinating children under the age of 10 with two doses of H1N1 vaccine for the best protection. Second dose clinics through the school vaccination program are being completed now. DPH announces the following H1N1 School Vaccination Program schedule for the week of Feb. 01:

For additional information about both H1N1 and seasonal vaccines, please see our website at www.flu.delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.