DHSS Press Release

H1N1 UPDATE FOR JAN. 14, 2010:VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL IN DELAWARE

Flu level in Delaware: For the period of Jan. 3 through Jan. 9, there were 25 reports of influenza-like illness from the Division of Public Health's (DPH) network of sentinel providers, compared to 36 the previous week. No cases of H1N1 virus were confirmed by the DPH lab, compared to one the previous week. The total number of confirmed H1N1 cases since Oct. 4 is 1,972. There were no hospitalizations from H1N1 during the week of Jan. 3 through Jan. 9.

Delaware's influenza activity level is currently sporadic. This flu activity designation does not diminish the need for caution and vaccination, nor does it diminish the potential severity of the illness for those who get the flu. "This is our window of opportunity to prevent H1N1 influenza," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "Another wave of illness can still occur. Everyone should take advantage of our ample supplies of vaccine as soon as possible."

In light of the above advice, and in observation of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn and Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services received their H1N1 vaccines * earlier this afternoon, Thursday Jan. 14 from Dr. Karyl Rattay, who reminds all Delawareans that anyone above 6 months of age can now be vaccinated. 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 this time, 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.

Vaccine Distribution: It is expected that Delaware will receive nearly 9,100 doses of H1N1 vaccine next week. With this and future shipments, DPH officials are confident in meeting the needs of those wanting the vaccine. To date, it is estimated that 324,500 doses of vaccine have been distributed by DPH or made available to the medical community in Delaware since Nov. 2, including 47,873 children in schools.

Major pharmacy chains in Delaware continue to receive H1N1 vaccine under an agreement with the federal government. These doses will be available free to any adult who wishes to be vaccinated. Nationally, the pharmacies involved include Walgreens, CVS, Target, Costco, Kroger, Publix, SuperValu, Stop-and-Shop, Rite Aid, Wal-mart, ACME and Safeway. Although some national pharmacy chains are advertising a cost for shots, there is no charge in Delaware since DPH is subsidizing the cost with a federal grant and pharmacies have agreed to waive additional charges. DPH is also providing vaccine to pharmacies in Delaware that are not participating in this program. By law, pharmacists in Delaware cannot vaccinate persons younger than 18 years.

In addition to physicians and pharmacies throughout the state, residents can be vaccinated at clinics scheduled in their area. The H1N1 vaccination clinic held Jan. 8 -10 at the New Castle Farmers Market vaccinated 1,152 people.

The state's school vaccination program continues. DPH and the Delaware Department of Education announce the following schedule for the week of Jan. 18 for the H1N1 School Vaccination Program . Please note that Monday, Jan. 18 is a state holiday and classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 19.

DATE	SCHOOL
1/19/2010	Long Neck Elementary, Indian River District
1/19/2010	St. Matthew's (K-5)
1/19/2010	Our Lady of Fatima (K-5)
1/19/2010	St. Peter's Cathedral (K-5)
1/19/2010	Caravel Academy (6-12)
1/19/2010	St. Ann School (K-5)
1/20/2010	Archmere Academy
1/20/2010	Tower Hill (6-12)
1/20/2010	St. Elizabeth (K-5)
1/20/2010	Immaculate Heart of Mary (K-5)
1/21/2010	Tower Hill (K-5)
1/21/2010	Pope John Paul II (K-5)
1/21/2010	Centreville School (K-5)
1/22/2010	Padua Academy
1/22/2010	Red Lion Christian Academy (K-5)
1/22/2010	Wilmington Montessori (K-5)
1/22/2010	Nativity Preparatory

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

* Photos attached of Lt. Governor Matt Denn and DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf receiving H1N1 vaccinations from DPH Director Dr.Karyl Rattay today at the James Williams State Service Center in Dover.

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.