H1N1 UPDATE FOR DEC. 31, 2009

H1N1 Vaccine Now Available To All In Delaware

All Delawareans above 6 months of age can now be vaccinated: The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing today that Delaware health care providers can expand H1N1 flu vaccinations from high-risk persons only to any Delawarean over six months of age effective today, Thursday, Dec. 31. This is possible due to an increase in 2009 H1N1 vaccine supply and because 75 percent of the vaccine that was requested by providers for high-risk populations has been shipped to them. Until now, vaccine was not as readily available and high-risk groups had priority due to their susceptibility to complications caused by the flu or flu-like illness.

"H1N1 vaccinations will now be available from medical providers and pharmacies to anyone who wants it. We continue to place an emphasis on vaccinating those at highest risk, including pregnant women, children and individuals with underlying health conditions," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of DPH. "Just because the flu is at a low level in Delaware now doesn't mean it won't be coming back, and vaccination is the best possible protection and prevention method we have."

Flu level in Delaware: For the period of December 20-26, there were 37 reports of influenza-like illness from the Division of Public Health's (DPH) network of sentinel providers, compared to the 40 previous week. No cases of H1N1 virus were confirmed by the DPH lab, compared to three the previous week. The total number of confirmed H1N1 cases since Oct. 4 is 1,970. There were no hospitalizations from H1N1 during the week of December 20-26. One case from a previous week remains hospitalized.

Vaccine Distribution: At this time, it is expected that Delaware will receive about 46,330 doses of H1N1 vaccine next week. 5,000 doses will be sent to the Dover Air Force Base for dependents of enlisted personnel as well as civilians who work at the base. The remaining doses will be ordered for schools, pharmacies, hospitals, health care providers, long term care facilities, police, and emergency workers. DPH will be in contact with providers to make sure their vaccine needs are met. To date, it is estimated that 286,700 doses of vaccine have been administered by DPH or made available to the medical community in Delaware since Nov. 2, including 45,891 children in schools.

Major pharmacy chains in Delaware have already begun to receive vaccine under an agreement with the federal government. Nationally, the pharmacies involved include Walgreens, CVS, Target, Costco, Kroger, Publix, SuperValu, Stop-and-Shop, Rite Aid, Wal-mart, ACME and Safeway. More will receive vaccine next week. DPH will be sending vaccine to pharmacies in Delaware that are not participating in this program early next week. DPH is working on an agreement with pharmacies in Delaware that should enable them to offer vaccination to the public at no cost. By law, pharmacists in Delaware cannot vaccinate persons younger than 18 years.

In addition to physicians and pharmacies throughout the state, residents can avail themselves to clinics as they are scheduled in their area. The next free H1N1 vaccination clinic will be a three-day event held at the New Castle Farmers Market located at 110 N. DuPont Highway in New Castle. This clinic offers free H1N1 vaccines to anyone over the age of six months. Dates and times for the clinic are as follows:

The school vaccination program continues, as well. DPH and the Delaware Department of Education announce the following schedule for the week of Jan. 4 for the H1N1 School Vaccination Program:

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.