By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The first batches of swine flu vaccine — more than 2,200 doses — arrived Tuesday in Indian River County and are being divvied up among pediatricians, obstetricians and other medical providers, according to health officials.
The next shipment of the vaccine for the H1N1 virus is due to arrive sometime next week, said Larry Macke, public information officer for the county’s health department. Eventually, the department itself will have vaccines on hand, but for now, the vaccines are being distributed to other medical practitioners.
The county received 1,600 doses of the vaccine in mist form — to be taken nasally — and 600 injectable doses.
The mist form of the vaccine is not suitable for all patients, as it contains a live yet weakened virus strain. According to the Florida Department of Health, pregnant women, children younger than 2, those over the age of 49, and those with underlying health problems should not be getting the inhalable version.
Those who fit the above criteria are encouraged to receive the injectable form of the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the following people be vaccinated against the Swine Flu:
Pregnant women,Those who live with or provide care to infants under 6 months of age,Health care and emergency medical services personnel,Those between the ages of 6 months and 24 years,Those between 25 and 64 years old who have medical conditions that place them in higher risk for influenza-related complications.
The CDC also recommends that some people consult their doctor first before receiving the vaccination. Those who should make a doctor’s appointment include:
People who have severe allergies to chicken eggs,People who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination in the past,Those who developed Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot before,Those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever – they should wait for their symptoms to lessen prior to being vaccinated.
More Information on the Web:
Indian River County Health Department Florida Department of Health
