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2009-11-21

2009-11-18

2009-11-05

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 11:29 AM

Who needs vaccinations?

By The Herald Staff

Pregnant women and very young children likely will be among the first people in Franklin County eligible this fall for vaccination against a virulent new flu.

The county health department likely will receive vaccine for the H1N1 virus in mid-October, but just how many doses will be available has not been determined, Midge Ransom, director of the health department, told county commissioners during their regular study session Monday.

H1N1, a new virus that originated with swine, first was detected in Mexico and the United States in March and April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu.

It’s possible the county’s initial shipment of vaccine will be about 3,500 doses, but the county could receive as much as 12,000 doses, Ransom said. Within six months, however, the county should receive enough vaccine for everyone who wants it, she said.

Initially, though, health care providers likely will need to limit the vaccine to certain high-risk groups like pregnant women, children younger than 4 and people with underlying medical conditions, Ransom said.

She estimates Franklin County would have about 250 pregnant women, 1,800 children younger than 4 and an undetermined number of people with qualifying medical conditions. Those groups likely would cover most if not all of the initial shipment of vaccine if it falls in the 3,500-dose range.

There is no cost for the vaccine; however, private providers could charge an administrative fee.

Ransom said she encourages those who meet the criteria to seek vaccination when it becomes available.

“We try not to give drugs and antibiotics to pregnant women because of the side effects, and I think there is some concern that women may be hesistant to get the vaccine,” Ransom said. “But there’s every reason to believe it is safe.”

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Who needs vaccinations?

By The Herald Staff

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.