H1N1 Flu Alert
People who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should call their health care provider to determine whether they should be tested for influenza. Influenza symptoms include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
Preventing the Flu
Current Availability of the H1N1 Flu Shot
Connecticut continues to experience a shortage of H1N1 vaccine and the New Canaan Health Department is still receiving partial shipments on an irregular basis.
New Canaan Health Department is working with the medical practices in town to obtain vaccine for their eligible patients. We are encouraging all residents to call their doctors to find out if they have received their requested doses.
It is unlikely that vaccine will be available for the general public until December or January.
Norwalk Health Department is holding H1N1 Clinics based on vaccine supply. New Canaan residents are included in their mass dispensing process should they fall under the high risk priority groups. For more information call Norwalk Health Department at (203) 854-7776.
High risk priority groups eligible for receiving the H1N1 vaccine are listed below:
Live Attenuated Influenza A (H1N1)Vaccine (LAIV intranasal) is restricted to the following priority groups at this time:
Healthy children aged 2 years through 24 years (NEW)
Healthy household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age
Healthy healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material. The town is in the process of vaccinating this group.
Inactivated, Injectable Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine is restricted to the following priority groups at this time:
Pregnant women
Household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age
All children 6 months through 6 years old
Children aged 7 through 24 years with high risk medical conditions (NEW)
Health care workers and Emergency Medical Services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material. The town is in the process of vaccinating this group.
The injectable form of H1N1 vaccine is in short supply and should not be used in healthy persons aged 2 years through 24 years if LAIV (intranasal) is available.
For the most updated priority group list, please visit the CT Flu Watch web site at www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch .
A list of medical conditions that confer a higher risk for influenza-related complications can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/highrisk.htm
As the situation evolves and more vaccine is received, the health department will be updating this information. In the meantime, we encourage you to go on the www.ct.gov/CTFluWatch/ for other updates.
Thank you.
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Related Information & Web links