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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wants to inform the public about the current FLU/H1N1 vaccine.

 Currently there is very little seasonal FLU vaccine available and although more may be available in December and January, at the moment, most providers, including the CLHD are out of seasonal vaccine. H1N1 Flu vaccine was first distributed nationwide approximately three weeks ago, but in smaller amounts than requested. However, eventually all should get close to the amount of vaccine ordered. As it is produced, it is being sent to the states all over the US and then to locals.

 As for Laredo, there will be adequate supply in the city for everyone wishing to get vaccinated.  While the City of Laredo Health Department has requested approximately 45,000 H1N1 vaccines, the vaccine will also be available through local private physicians.  However, as throughout the state the City of Laredo Health Department will be receiving the vaccines gradually.  As the vaccine is received, priority groups will be vaccinated first.

 What does this mean to the average, healthy Laredo adult?

 Because the H1N1 virus has been affecting the younger population, school aged children will be vaccinated first as well as those at risk of complications and health care providers.  This is why the City of Laredo Health Department is currently working with both school districts.  The H1N1 vaccine will be administered to students of both school districts, based on the priority groups provided by the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC).  High school and middle school students will be the targeted population within each district.  The majority of elementary and preschool children will be eligible for the vaccine through their private physicians, clinics such as Gateway and/or through the WIC programs as vaccine becomes available. 

 The priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine, as per the CDC, are the following:

• 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 of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

 Please keep in mind that H1N1 vaccines will also be received through the WIC program and through local private physicians.  Those individuals who are currently enrolled in City of Laredo Health Department primary care programs will also receive the vaccine once we receive it.  The City of Laredo Health Department is recommending to the rest of the general public to contact their physician for the vaccine.

 Additionally, the CLHD has received funds to hire personnel to help organize and execute various vaccine clinics citywide and in the surrounding three counties serviced the CLHD.  Various clinics will be offered throughout the community as soon as the vaccine is received. Those individuals wishing to be vaccinated immediately should contact their personal physicians and ask if they have it. 

 It is important to note that every year in the United States the seasonal flu vaccine is made for approximately 50% of the general population.  For the H1N1 vaccine, approximately 70% of the general population nationwide will be able to be vaccinated once all vaccine is produced, distributed and received.  This has been the case for the City of Laredo Health Deparment for the past several years.  In years past, approximately 7,000-8,000 seasonal flu vaccines are ordered, which was always more than enough to cover the demand and protect the community that we serve, in addition to what private providers have.   This year, the 8,000 seasonal flu vaccine supply was exhausted.  This percentage of people being vaccinated for both seasonal flu and H1N1 will create “herd immunity,” which simply stated means, a sufficient number of individuals in a population have immunity such that infection of one individual will not result in widespread infection.  The preventative measures of vaccination, as well as other preventative hygiene practices will help to protect the Laredo community from widespread infection.

 The CLHD is still encouraging the public to take the following Precautions:

• If you are ill with fever (>100), sore throat, cough and flu like symptoms STAY HOME until you are 24 hours free of fever without taking any fever reducing medication.
• If you are part of a high risk group or do not better in 2-3 days call your physician.
• Do not immediately go to the Emergency Room as we do not want to burden the health care system with the “worried well” and those with colds, upper respiratory infections and/or uncomplicated FLU.
• FLU is sudden, has fever as above and should last from the minimum of 3 days to as much as 7-10 days. If you have been exposed to FLU that does not mean you will get ill.  Practice good hygiene, as stated below and get vaccinated to protect yourself.

 Advanced Hygiene Precautionary Measures to be followed:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.

• If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues.  Wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Call your doctor.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with respiratory germs.
• Do not share food and/or drinks especially at gatherings.