Weekly shipments of the H1N1 vaccine continue to arrive in the area as target groups expand, the Texas County Health Department announced this week.
Jackie Smith, health department administrator, said target groups now include adults 25 to 64 who have chronic medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza related complications. Persons in this category are encouraged to contact the health department or their family physician about H1N1 influenza vaccination.
Since Sept. 1, 109 lab confirmed flu cases have been reported in Texas County. More than half of the cases continue to be in the 5-14 year old age group.
“H1N1 has primarily been a young person’s illness,” Smith said. “That’s why we are focusing on getting children vaccinated through the school systems.”
Six school districts have completed their H1N1 vaccination programs. Health department nurses have administered 968 shots to children age 5-14 at the school clinics.
“As more vaccine arrives in the county and the priority group needs are met, we anticipate being able to offer the vaccine to other members of our community,” says Smith. “At this time, it’s just impossible to say when that will happen, as it is dependent on the amount of vaccine we receive weekly.”
While waiting for a vaccination, community members are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching their face and keep a distance of at least six feet from those who are sick. People who are ill are urged to stay home to protect others in our community.