H1N1 vaccine on its way

The state of Alaska has been authorized by the federal government to order its first shipment of H1N1 vaccine. The state was allocated 4,200 doses of nasal spray vaccine and has placed an order for the entire amount. The nasal spray vaccine is expected to arrive at the state’s distribution center in Anchorage by early the week of Oct. 5. Statewide distribution is expected to begin by the week of Oct. 12, with a percent based on population destined for Homer.
This is the first shipment of what will become a steadily increasing supply of both nasal and injectable vaccine within the next month, according to a release today, Sept. 30, by the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services.
“This is just the first shipment. We will be receiving more each week over the next 15 weeks,” emphasized Greg Wilkinson, spokesperson for the state epidemiology office. The first earmarked batch is to go to 2 to 4 years olds.
No town is being left out of the first distribution, even if it is a small amount, Wilkinson said.
The state will ultimately receive enough vaccine for every person in the state who wants to be vaccinated, he said.
The initial shipment of vaccine is to be distributed statewide based on a community’s population. Shipments will go to the state public health centers, the Municipality of Anchorage, Maniilaq Association, North Slope Borough Health and Social Services Agency and Norton Sound Health Corporation for use in children 2–4 years old.
Epidemiological evidence suggests that children in this age range are at increased risk for hospitalization compared to older children. Nasal spray vaccine is not licensed for use in children younger than 2 or in two other priority groups — adults with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.
The first batch in Homer will be distributed through the Homer Public Health office, but subsequent distributions will be sent to other health care providers as well. Some 300 pre-registered with the state to receive the vaccine, Wilkinson said.

Subscribe via RSS

Subscribe via email