Flu Update

My previous statement that this flu season was going to be challenging was an understatement.

We have been informed by the supplier of out injectable seasonal flu vaccine that they are suspending delivery of this vaccine, at the request of the government, to maximize delivery of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine.

Due to this we have had to reschedule our late October flu clinics and suspended new appointments for injectable seasonal flu vaccine. The supplier estimated delivery of the vaccine the second week in Novermber which should still give time for vaccination before the December to February seasonal flu season.

We do have seasonal Nasal vaccine available and this will be used preferentially for children 2 yrs and above since infants and young toddlers can ONLY receive the injectable vaccine.

We have applied for H1N1 vaccine and should receive doses from the Ohio Department of Health in the next 2-4 weeks. The data on the vaccine to date shows that it is as well tolerated as seasonal flu vaccine so that if your child has received and tolerated seasonal flu vaccine they should tolerate H1N1 equally well.

Woman who are pregnant, Family members with an infant below 6 months in the house, Children with underlying medical problems such as Asthma, Heart conditions, Diabetes or children with suppressed immune systems are at highest risk for severe disease and should CERTAINLY get the vaccine.

Even healthy children are having a more difficult season due to H1N1 with over 60 deaths reported to date, more than is typically seen with a seasonal flu season. I do plan on having my 5 and 7 year old vaccinated and I will be getting the vaccines (seasonal and H1N1) due to my exposure.

Until resumption of seasonal flu vaccine delivery and distribution of the H1N1 vaccine there are limited options for vaccination. Patients with Caresource or Ohio Medicaid insurance should contact the Cuyahoga Department of Health. Families with other insurance may also contact Cuyahoga County DOH but may not be scheduled depending on availability of vaccine. Walgreens does have some limited availability but only for adolescents above 14yrs. CVS minute clinic has not vaccine available.

Up to date information can be accessed at cdc.gov and odh.ohio.gov or by calling your local health department or the state flu line at 1 866 800 1404

Hope this helps.

Dr. V