Politics & Government

Community Notice: Swine Flu Update

A message from Director of Health David Knauf concerning the H1N1 virus and the town's plans for seasonal and swine flu vaccinations.

There have been a lot of questions concerning the “Swine Flu,” or H1N1. After a conference call with the State Health Department today, I would like to provide a summary of some important points concerning the virus, and how we are preparing in Darien.

Those who got the flu this past Spring experienced fairly mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue which would typically last for four or five days. That is how it the virus has been presenting itself this fall, as it begins to reappear.
 
An H1N1 vaccine was approved this week by the Food and Drug Administration and will go into mass production immediately.

It is expected that the initial shipments of vaccine will total three million doses for the entire United States Connecticut may receive as little as 30,000 doses, considerably less than the state’s population.

Manufacturers will make limited deliveries to localities and providers on a regular basis, and they “ramp up” their capacity to produce vaccine. That means that vaccines will not be available to everyone right away.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Health Department is recommending a “tiered” approach or priority schedule for vaccinations. As soon as there is a better understanding of how much vaccine will be available and when, final recommendations will be publicized.

Seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from H1N1 flu. Health officials expect both vaccines could be administered at the same time; but seasonal flu clinics will be functioning long before H1N1 vaccine is available, so get your seasonal flu shot now if you can.

At this time, it appears that those over ten years of age will need one dose; those under ten will need two, with an interval of 21 to 28 days between doses.

Among the priority groups for vaccinations are school-aged children. Sufficient vaccine should be available in November for this group. Discussions with the Superintendent for organizing clinics in the Darien school system are underway.

For the general public, health officials expect the H1N1 vaccine will be available in December.

Volunteers for running clinics are needed. If you’re interested, please call!

David Knauf
Director of Health, Town of Darien
dknauf@darienct.gov
203-656-7324


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