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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, November 2, 2009 |
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H1N1 Vaccine Continues to Arrive; Cases Peaked Week of Oct. 10DENVER – While officials at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment expect the total number of H1N1 hospitalized cases and deaths to increase, there are indications that influenza activity has peaked in the Denver-Boulder metropolitan area. Data from several surveillance activities indicate the peak of hospitalizations and influenza-like illnesses occurred during the week ending Oct. 10. Officials noted that this is only the beginning of a decline and Colorado still is in the middle of a historic influenza season. “Our surveillance of flu activity in the Denver area the past three weeks has shown a leveling off and decline in the number of hospitalized cases being reported. However, it still is vitally important for Coloradans in the vaccine priority groups to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available,” said the state’s Chief Medical Officer Ned Calonge. “To date the state has received approximately 270,000 doses of vaccine.” “We continue to work closely with local public health agencies and hospitals in the state on H1N1 activity,” said Calonge. “In most cases local public health agencies are directing the vaccines to health care providers and hospitals to administer to priority populations first. As some communities complete H1N1 vaccinations to health care workers, we are seeing some communities expand the availability of the vaccine to other priority populations.” The following individuals who are in the high-risk group for experiencing complications from H1N1 are advised to be the first in line to receive an H1N1 vaccine:
While the initial vaccine deliveries to Colorado have amounted to less that anticipated, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Monday that eventually there will be enough supplies for everyone who wants to get vaccinated. “We are receiving more H1N1 vaccines each week and they are being distributed through the state’s network of public health agencies,” said Calonge. “As the vaccination needs of health care workers in various communities are met, vaccine distribution will extend to other priority populations.” Through Oct. 24, a total of 1,306 hospitalizations from 46 counties in Colorado have been reported. Twenty-five deaths (seven pediatric and 18 adult) have been reported. State laboratory surveillance continues to show that more than 99 percent of influenza viruses currently circulating in Colorado are the 2009 H1N1 virus. The department has added an online link to a free and secure interactive Web site that walks patients through a series of questions to determine the severity of their flu symptoms based on the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The link can be found at https://www.amafluhelp.org/Public/Consumer/Home.aspx . Using this site can help patients assess their own flu symptoms, or those of a child or loved one, and the site offers guidance on whether they should seek care. There also is an opportunity for pregnant women to evaluate their need for a flu vaccine. The site also can generate a doctor’s note when it is safe to return to work or school. Personal information entered into the system is treated as private and secure. “We are hopeful that this new American Medical Association tool will help reduce demands on our health care system,” said Chris Lindley, director of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. While AMAfluhelp.org is a useful tool for those who aren’t sure whether they have a cold or the flu, it does not take the place of a visit to the doctor’s office if symptoms are severe. Anyone who exhibits severe symptoms, such as a very high fever or difficulty breathing should contact his or her physician immediately or seek urgent care. Individuals with questions about H1N1 are encouraged to call CO HELP at 1-877-462-2911. The hotline has been established to respond to questions about H1N1 and seasonal influenza. ---30--- |
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