2009 H1N1 Vaccine Recommendations from the CDC
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With flu season nearly at our doorstep, it is important to take the necessary precautions for avoiding potential illness. The CDC has expressed concern that the new
H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe 2009-2010 flu
season, which makes widespread vaccination an even greater concern this year.
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine, developed specifically to target the H1N1 virus, is not a replacement for the seasonal flu
vaccine--it is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel
made up of medical and public health experts, has released recommendations on who should receive the new H1N1 vaccine when it
becomes available.
The groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
- Pregnant women, because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age,
because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related
complications and cannot be vaccinated.
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel,
because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this
can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age,
because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are
in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which
increases the likelihood of disease spread
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age,
because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these
healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close
proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population
- Persons
aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with
higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
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For More Information on Swine Flu.
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Information and current news on the swine flu as well as recommendations for prevention, treatment and infection control guidance can be found at the Cook County Department of Health's dedicated swine flu web page:
The Illinois Department of Public Health influenza information page displays breaking news on flu in Illinois, as well as tips for how to stay healthy, travel information, and department news:
The Center for Disease Control is monitoring swine flu and
working with state and local officials to tackle health care issues. For further guidelines, information, including Flu Updates, Emergency Text Messages and a Swine Flu Information Widget (Widgets are online applications built by one web site that can
be displayed onto another web site), please visit their website:
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