H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine Update

Pen Bay Healthcare would like to provide an update for the community about H1N1 flu, seasonal flu and vaccinations.

As has been covered widely in the media in recent days, Maine is now one of 46 U.S. states with widespread influenza activity. Flu cases here and elsewhere remain overwhelmingly attributable to novel H1N1 influenza. Nationally, the level of flu activity is at or above what is commonly seen at the peak of a usual winter season. No one can predict how long this situation will persist and whether the flu season will be one of peaks and valleys in H1N1 infection rates over time or one of sustained high rate of infection through the season.

Vaccination remains the most powerful tool available to prevent the spread of flu.  Unfortunately, supplies of both seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccine remain limited.  

This week, schools around Knox County are holding clinics to provide both seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations to students. Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care, a division of Pen Bay Healthcare, is working closely with schools to facilitate these flu vaccine clinics.

The larger population not served by these school-based clinics should call their primary care physician to see how they can receive a vaccination. Patients should remember that vaccine supplies remain limited. All H1N1 vaccine in the U.S. is provided free through public health authorities. With each allotment, healthcare entities are given specific guidelines with respect to use.

Organizations receiving H1N1 vaccine typically have no more than 48 hours advance notice regarding shipments of vaccine. When this notice is given, the quantity of vaccine is not specified and is learned only when the shipment is received. This process requires flexibility with regard to vaccination plans for both PBH employees and patients.

At the state's request, PBH's first priority was to vaccinate pregnant women, and household contacts and caregivers of infants under six months of age (i.e., infants too young to be vaccinated themselves). More recently, PBH received very small shipments of vaccine targeted at young children (under five years of age), some older children with certain chronic medical illnesses, as well as a limited target group of healthcare workers. In the case of healthcare workers, PBH was asked to direct initial supplies toward those most likely to provide care to pregnant women and young children. We are pleased to announce the rate of H1N1 vaccination among PBH employees is as high as the vaccine supply will allow.

It is clear that community-based vaccination efforts have been hampered by lack of vaccine. PBH was forced to cancel the flu clinic usually held at the annual Community Health and Safety Fair on Nov. 7.  PBH has not yet received enough H1N1 vaccine to be able to offer it to adults with chronic medical illnesses.

This brings us to a message emphasized repeatedly this flu season: the need for good hand hygiene, covering cough, and staying home when ill.  

Pen Bay Healthcare will update the community about the spread of both seasonal and H1N1 flu and the availability of vaccines for both.