Who Should Get The H1N1 Flu Vaccine?

Since H1N1 flu virus was first contracted, scientists have moved quickly to develop a vaccine. Thanks to long hours and hard work, a H1N1 vaccine is expected in October and only 1 injection is going to be necessary. According to James Steckelberg, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic, these are the persons who should receive the vaccine first:

1. Pregnant women

2. Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age

3. Health care and emergency medical services personnel

4. Babies, children and teens, from 6 months through 18 years of age

5. Young adults, from 19 through 24 years of age

6. People ages 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

H1N1 is now widespread all over the nation. Our schools are given special instructions on how to deal with this virus and students and staff are asked not to return to school until they have been without a temperature for 24 hours without the aid of medication. If everyone takes precaution by coughing and sneezing into their shirt sleeve, while keeping surfaces clean and hands washed, and those at risk get vaccinated, we should hopefully get through this. If you or your child shows sign of flu and have a temperature, please stay home.