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The CDC has announced that the first vaccine available will be the live attenuated influenza vaccine, or LAIV, more commonly known as the flu mist. The LAIV vaccine is generally for people 2 years to 49 who do not have underlying health conditions.
Both CDC and ODH have recommended that these first doses go to healthcare workers to protect them and keep the healthcare system working during the flu season.
The Wood County Health Department will be working with the hospital, private health care providers and EMS squads to ensure that every healthcare worker who is eligible and wants to receive the LAIV version of the vaccine receives it. After healthcare workers, it is expected that the flu mist version of H1N1 vaccine will be available to parents of children under 6 months and children and young adults ages 2 through 24.
The inactivated vaccine, or H1N1 shot, is expected to be available mid to late October. The first doses of the shots will be directed towards those groups of people most at risk for serious complications. These include pregnant women, young children, health care workers with direct patient contact and children and young adults with chronic medical conditions that make them more at risk for complications.
Afterwards, the vaccine will be open to the rest of the population. Eventually, the shot and the flu mist will be available to anyone who wants it. For children 6 months to 9 years, there will be two doses 4 weeks apart. For people 10 and older, one dose will be enough to provide protection from the H1N1 virus.
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