November 30, 2009
Pennsylvanians can begin making appointments today to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus at state Department of Health clinics.
Limited doses swine flu vaccine will be offered at 60 health centers for people in priority groups who do not have access to the vaccine through health-care providers. The vaccinations will be offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Appointments are necessary and can be made online, 24 hours a day, at www.H1N1inPA.comunder "What's Hot." People without Internet access can call 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Only people in these groups will get vaccinations:
• ages 6 months to 24 years;
• caregivers for children younger than 6 months;
• pregnant women;
• health care providers and emergency medical services personnel; and
• those under age 65 with underlying health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.
Vaccine supply is to be limited and most of what's available at state health centers will be live attenuated influenza vaccine, or LAIV, which is a nasal mist. This vaccine approved for healthy persons ages 2 to 49 but is not recommended for pregnant women, children under age 2 and those with underlying health problems, so healthy people are asked to consider receiving it.
Visit www.H1N1inPA.com to learn more about potential vaccine side effects and other information.
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