Call for appointments for H1N1 vaccinations, if meet eligibility criteria

Tuesday, 03 November 2009 16:59

The Fairfield and Easton health departments received an additional shipment of 800 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine and, as of Nov. 3, had 960 doses available.

This includes 900 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine (which contains thimerisol), and 60 doses of live-attenuated H1N1 nasal spray vaccine (LAIV) remaining from those who canceled their appointments at the last clinic.

To receive an appointment for a vaccination call 203-256-3082 on Friday, Nov. 6 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Prior to calling, review the priority groups in this article to determine if you are eligible and check the prescreening questions on the town of Easton Web site, eastonct.gov. The town Web site can be checked for the latest information on H1N1 vaccinations for Easton residents.

Easton’s health director, Dr. Chris Michos, said the Easton and Fairfield health departments are working together to offer residents H1N1 influenza vaccinations.

“Just like getting your seasonal flu vaccination,” Michos said, “getting the H1N1 vaccination is an important prevention step individuals can take to protect themselves and to lessen the impact of flu on our communities.”

These vaccines will be for priority groups, as described below.

Inactivated, injectable H1N1 vaccine is only for those 6 months of age and older. At this time the use of this vaccine is restricted for the following priority populations: pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age; all children ages 6 months to 59 months; children ages 5 to 18 years with high risk medical conditions; and healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Services personnel.

Live-attenuated H1N1 vaccine (nasal spray) is only for healthy individuals ages 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant. At this time, use of this vaccine is restricted for the following priority populations: healthy children ages 2 to 18 years; healthy household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age; and healthy healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Services personnel.