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Published October 28, 2009, 09:23 AM

As soon as vaccine arrives, it is put to use

Even as the H1N1 virus is spreading throughout the Hudson area, St. Croix County DHHS-Public Health says they are committed to dispensing the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it arrives.

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Even as the H1N1 virus is spreading throughout the Hudson area, St. Croix County DHHS-Public Health says they are committed to dispensing the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it arrives.

On Monday, health officer Wendy Kramer said, “Our original planning was based on the model that there would be ample supplies of vaccine for early mass dispensing. Planning has shifted from large school or mass clinics to distributing the vaccine from the health department as it arrives. We will not stockpile vaccine.”

This adjustment in planning supports community mitigation efforts that stretch the outbreak peak over a longer period of time, reducing the amount of illness and minimizing the burden on health care systems, businesses, schools and others.

DHHS wants the public to understand the following:

  • There are different types of H1N1 vaccine which carry different approvals for ages and/or medical conditions.

  • St. Croix County Public Health has ordered all types but is receiving them at different times and in different amounts.

  • Public Health will continue to communicate clinic schedules and the target groups eligible to receive available vaccine through the Influenza Resource Center, www.co.saint-croix.wi.us/flu, and the phone bank at (715)246-8224.

  • They do expect there will be enough vaccine for everyone over time.

  • Anyone with flu-like symptoms, should stay home until fever free for 24-hours (without fever reducing medication). Pregnant women experiencing flu-like symptoms, should contact their medical provider.

    Nasal vaccine only

    As of Tuesday, DHHS has only the nasal form of the H1N1 vaccine and is able to vaccinate the following:

  • Healthy children ages two through four years of age with no underlying medical conditions

  • Healthy people who are ages 25 through 49 and who live with or care for infants younger than six months.

  • Are healthcare or emergency medical personnel who have direct contact with patients.

    Scheduled clinic days for this week are Wednesday and Thursday from 1-7 p.m. at the St. Croix County Health and Human Services Building, Public Health Offices, 1447 N. Fourth St., New Richmond. No appointments are necessary.

    At school

    According to information posted on the Hudson School District Web site, schools are experiencing an increase in the number of students who have the H1N1 virus but not so many that it warrants school closings.

    Planned school immunization clinics have been delayed due to lack of available vaccine. Information specific to Hudson schools and H1N1 is available at the district’s Web site at www.hudson.k12.wi.us.

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