H1N1 Update: May 10, 2010

(This is the last H1N1 update.)

Surveillance:
Currently, New Jersey is reporting no influenza-like activity.  The Department of Health and Senior Services will continue to monitor influenza activity in our state.

There is still vaccine available and the Department continues to encourage those who have not received an H1N1 flu shot to get one.

Vaccine Availability:
As of May 10, 2010, more than 2.6 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been shipped to providers. Vaccine has been ordered by more than 1,400 ship-to providers.

* An additional 68,699 doses were directly provided by the CDC to seven large retailers/pharmacies in New Jersey as of January 22, 2010.

H1N1 Vaccine Target Groups
Although New Jersey is now offering H1N1 vaccine to the general public, the Department continues to emphasize the importance for people in target groups to be vaccinated because they are at higher risk for complications of H1N1. These groups include:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Finding a flu shot:
The following tools may be helpful for New Jerseyans seeking an H1N1 flu shot:

• The DHSS website has two flu shot locators to help individuals find public health clinics that are being planned, as well as to find clinics with scheduled dates.
• Contact your physician, community health center, local pharmacy or local or county health department to find out the clinic nearest you.
• Call New Jersey’s H1N1 Information Hotline - 1-866-321-9571

Communications:
The Department’s has launched a Facebook page as another source of information. The page – New Jersey H1N1 Resources – can be found through the Department’s website (www.nj.gov/health/h1n1) or through a Facebook search. (www.facebook.com).

In addition, individuals can receive updated H1N1 information by following the DHSS on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FluNJ.

The Department’s H1N1 website continues to be the source for up-to-date information on H1N1 influenza in New Jersey. The website also contains videos, public service announcements, press releases, posters and flyers. The website is updated frequently, so please visit daily for new information and links.

Public service announcements with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Susan Walsh encourage people to get vaccinated, to stay informed and to stay healthy. These radio and television announcements are on the DHSS website.

Antiviral Medications:
The Department has entered into an agreement with all Walgreen stores and other retail pharmacies in the state to make available antiviral medications that will specifically be offered to uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department also has distributed antiviral medications to New Jersey’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

Walgreens and other pharmacies provide these medications with a valid prescription. Medications received from pharmacies cost a small administrative fee. Medications received from FQHCs will be free to the FQHCs uninsured patients.

Stop the Spread:

There are certain preventive measures that everyone can take to help slow the spread of H1N1 this spring. These actions include common-sense measures to limit the spread of germs, including:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you are sick.