Health District vaccinates priority groups

Thursday, 29 October 2009 10:54

The Trumbull Monroe Health District is continuing to vaccinate eligible priority groups against H1N1 as more vaccine supplies become available. The intranasal spray and some injectable forms of the vaccine are now available, although in very limited amounts.

All H1N1 vaccine is administered by appointment only. Residents who meet the following requirements are encouraged to call the Trumbull Monroe Health District at 203-452-5195 during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, to schedule their appointment.

Eligible priority groups have recently been expanded. Priority groups included are as follows: Pregnant women; All children ages 6 months through 5 years old; Children ages 5 through 18 years old with high risk medical conditions; Healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Service personnel involved in direct patient care; Household contacts and primary caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age .High risk medical conditions include chronic pulmonary conditions, including: asthma, cardiovascular conditions (except hypertension), kidney, liver, cognitive, neurological/neuromuscular, blood or metabolic disorders (including diabetes), as well as immunosuppression.

It is expected that the H1N1 vaccine will be as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine.

“The Health District will continue to vaccinate as many individuals in the eligible priority groups as we can with our limited supply,” said Director of Health, Patrice Sulik. “Remember to stay home from work or school if you are sick and continue to wash your hands properly, as good hygiene is a strong defense against seasonal flu and H1N1.”

For up-to-date information on H1N1 vaccine availability and eligible priority groups, visit trumbull-ct.gov and monroect.org.