Questions and answers regarding the H1N1 virus

Vaccinations arriving in Mineral County, but don’t rush to get one quite yet.

As of October 10, 2009 there have been no confirmed cases of H1N1, also known as swine flu, in Mineral County, nor has there been a confirmed case of the regular flu in Mineral County. That means no laboratory confirmed cases.

The Mineral County Health Department will be receiving the first scheduled shipment of H1N1 vaccine by the end of the week. The first round of vaccines will be given to those categorized as high risk, including pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency personnel, anyone 6 months to 24 years of age, and anyone 24 through 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

Due to the current uncharted territory and the inability to plan too far ahead, the Health Department and Mineral County Health Care providers are asking everyone to stay tuned, take a deep breath, and be patient. If you are interested in the vaccine please call the Health Department at (406) 822-3564 to get on a list to receive the vaccination. It is anticipated that there will be enough H1N1 vaccine by November to give to all individuals who would like to receive it.

Until there is enough vaccine available to cover everyone interested in receiving it, here is what you need to know:

Q. Why not wait until there is enough for every body instead of just giving it to the high risk group?

A. Even though the official start of the flu season has begun, H1N1 isn’t abiding by any calendar; it is already causing illness in almost every State, making it a race to get high risk people vaccinated.

Q. What is the difference between the nasal spray vaccine and the shot?

A. Although they are considered equally effective, there are important differences. Flu shots are for anyone 6 months of age and older. The nasal spray, however, is only for use in people ages 2 to 49, who are not pregnant or have underlying health issues. Some people on the first-in-line list for the new H1N1 vaccine aren’t eligible to receive the nasal spray.

Q. Who will be the first to receive H1N1 vaccine?

A. Pregnant women; the young, ages 6 months through 24 years; people younger than 64 years who have chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems; health care workers; emergency personnel and caregivers of newborns.

Q. I thought flu was most dangerous to sick and older people?

A. The regular winter flu is most dangerous to older adults, but the new H1N1 is predominantly striking the young.

Q. How many doses will I need?

A. Most people will need one each of the H1N1 vaccine and the regular winter flu vaccine. Children under 10 years old will need 2 doses 4 weeks apart.

Q. How much will the H1N1 vaccine cost?

A. The vaccine is free of charge.

Q. Why do I need to get two types of flu shot?

A. Although H1N1 is the flu making people sick now, the regular seasonal flu is expected to begin circulating with colder weather and peak in January and February. The vaccines for H1N1 and regular flu are different and specific for H1N1 and regular flu viruses.