Published: October 12, 2009 07:31 pm      

Pulaski has swine flu vaccine

Somerset — Those concerned about the spread of the H1N1 virus can breathe a little easier now — the Lake Cumberland District Health Department (LCDHD) now has vaccinations which will soon be available to the public.

The LCDHD received a small amount of the vaccine for what is commonly known as the “swine flu” late last week, though these first doses are solely in flu mist form, a nasal spray.

The vaccine will be offered to specific target groups at the flu clinics scheduled this Saturday in the LCDHD’s 10-county coverage area — here in Pulaski county, it will be held at Meece Middle School. This will be the first H1N1 vaccination clinics for this area, but more will be planned as the vaccine continues to become more available.

Those aforementioned target groups mean only healthy individuals will be eligible for these initial vaccinations — specifically, healthy persons ages 2-24, health care personnel (including paramedics and EMT workers) up to age 49, and health adults ages 49 and under who care for children less than six months old. Health care workers should check with their respective agencies to make certain whether or not nasal spray vaccination is allowed.

Anyone with health conditions like as pregnancy, asthma, immune system problems, or long-term conditions such as heart disease or lung disease are not candidates for the vaccine.

“It’s a live virus, but it’s a weakened virus,” said Amy Tomlinson, LCDHD Public Health Services Coordinator, of the vaccine. “Basically anyone who has anything wrong with them (can’t be vaccinated).”

Tomlinson said that there have been no more confirmed swine flu cases in Pulaski County since one man was diagnosed back in August, but that doesn’t mean it’s not here — it’s just that a strict set of state regulations make it difficult to confirm. Tomlinson did say that there are increasing numbers of flu-like illnesses in the LCDHD coverage area, and four school districts in that territory have had to close for that reason.

The H1N1 vaccine is provided free of charge. Seasonal flu vaccinations will be given from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Meece Middle School, and H1N1 vaccinations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who get a seasonal dose in the morning will not need to come back for a second one later in the day.

However, it is possible to have vaccinations for both flu types. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. They are intended to be used alongside each other to protect people from both types of flu. The two mists should not be administered at the same time, though.

The cost for the seasonal flu vaccine is $23. Charges are covered by Medicaid and Medicare Part B. Humana insurance is accepted; the co-pay is due at the time of service.

People should bring their Medicare/Medicaid insurance cards and if possible, wear a short sleeved shirt to speed up the process.

After receiving the first limited shipment, LCDHD expects to continue to receive H1N1 vaccine consistently. These following shipments are expected to include and injectable vaccine which will be prioritized for the vaccine target groups, which include pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions.

Those in need of vaccinations should take heed. The LCDHD announced Tuesday that the state has now seen its fifth H1N1-related death and the second in Fayette County. It involved a woman in her 60s who had significant underlying health conditions.

As always, the best method of protecting yourself against the influenza virus is early prevention and good hygiene. Washing your hands, avoiding sneezing or coughing onto your hands or other surfaces, and staying home from work or school when your sick are key ways of stopping the spread of sickness during flu season.