H1N1 flu vaccine to arrive at Moody Published Nov. 16, 2009 By Maj. Bernadette Steele 23rd Medical Group Public Health flight commander MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The H1N1 influenza vaccine will be available at the Moody clinic sometime in December . Immunization will most likely occur via mass vaccine lines similar to the seasonal flu process. The vaccine will also be available at various schools and doctors' offices in the Lowndes County community. The H1N1 influenza virus, sometimes called "swine flu," was first detected in humans on April 2009 in the United States. It is currently spreading from person-to-person worldwide, similar to the way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. The H1N1 flu virus, in conjunction with seasonal influenza viruses, may cause significant illness including hospitalizations and deaths during the United States flu season. The most important difference between the seasonal and H1N1 flu virus is that most people have not developed immunity to H1N1, making many people more susceptible to catching it this season. Immunization is the key to reducing the risk for disease. Even though the seasonal flu vaccine will protect against other circulating influenza viruses, it is unlikely that it will provide protection against H1N1. An H1N1 flu vaccine has been produced, tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It was made with the same technology and by the same companies that manufacture the seasonal flu vaccine. The H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine since H1N1 was identified too late in the previous flu season to combine it with the regular seasonal vaccine. It should be used along-side the seasonal flu vaccine. Different programs and requirements are in place to vaccinate active duty, retired and family members. Active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel will receive vaccinations purchased from the Department of Defense. Family members, retirees and beneficiaries will receive vaccinations that have been acquired through the Centers for Disease Control and will be provided by the State of Georgia. High-risk beneficiaries will be able to receive their vaccines at the Moody clinic. School-age beneficiaries should receive the vaccine through the school's health service. No dates have been set by the State of Georgia on when the vaccines will arrive, so if beneficiaries have the opportunity to get immunized off-base, you may be able receive the vaccine sooner than waiting for on-base supplies. Although the H1N1 flu vaccine should be free, some businesses may charge minimal administrative fees. The following groups of people are recommended to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine due to the increased risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death: · Pregnant women · Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel · All people from 6 months through 24 years of age · Children from 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin therapy · Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age or other persons at risk for medical complications · Young adults 19 through 24 years of age · Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza which include: · Chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, organ failure or diabetes · Immunosuppression · Other conditions that may impair respiratory function such as cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders · Others individuals who are also recommended to receive seasonal flu vaccine include children, persons 65 years and older, residents of nursing homes or chronic-care facilities, students or others in institutional settings and individuals who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others. The South Health District is providing the H1N1 flu vaccination. At this time, the vaccine is available to healthy persons 2 to 24 years old, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age and healthcare and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact. The vaccine is available at the following locations in the Lowndes County community: Lowndes County Health Department Hahira Health Department Lake Park Health Department Airport Clinic John D. Anderson, MD - current clients only Choice Family Medicine Comprehensive Women's Health First America Drugs Janice Loeffler, MD - current clients only Kimberly Megow, MD - current clients only Willie Saurina, MD - current clients only South Georgia Health Group Southern OB/GYN - current clients only Southern Pediatric Clinic (Dr. Blache) Valdosta Children's Health Center Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, PC VSU Student Health Center Walgreen's (2815 N. Ashley Street) - Limited quantity available Walgreen's (1800 Baytree Rd.) - Limited quantity available For more information on the H1N1 influenza vaccination or locations provided by the South Health District, visit http://www.southhealthdistrict.com or contact Public Health at (229) 257-3610.