FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 1, 2009
H1N1 flu vaccine expected soon
COLUMBIA - The first shipments of the Novel H1N1 flu vaccine are expected to arrive in South Carolina next week, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“We anticipate over 25,000 doses of the nasal spray vaccine are on their way to this state,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “The nasal spray, which will be the first of the shipments, is safe and has been extensively tested. We anticipate the injectable vaccines will begin arriving shortly after that.”
Dr. Gibson said those who should get the nasal spray form of the vaccine include people ages 2 to 49 with no underlying chronic condition like heart disease or asthma and not pregnant, as well as healthcare workers who have no underlying chronic condition and are not pregnant.
“It is important to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about when will be the best time for you to get the H1N1 flu vaccine,” Dr. Gibson said. “Everyone needs the flu vaccine.”
Dr. Gibson said talking with your healthcare provider can be helpful in deciding whether someone who is sick with flu-like symptoms needs to go to a hospital emergency department.
“Often patients’ needs can be discussed over the phone with their doctor’s office, and this may avoid a visit to the emergency department,” he said. “However, there are situations where emergency attention is needed and recommended.”
Dr. Gibson said those symptoms deserving emergency attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pains
- A purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urine or in children, a lack of tears when they cry
- Seizures such as uncontrolled convulsions
- Unresponsive or easily confused
“There will be a network of over 250 private providers that will eventually receive and offer the vaccine, so talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine if they will be providing the vaccine and when will be the right time for you to get vaccinated,” he said.
The DHEC Web site at www.scdhec.gov/flu will have updated information about where and when DHEC clinics will provide the H1N1 vaccine.
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For more information:
Thom Berry - (803) 898-3885
E-mail - berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1928