The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has recommended that the following groups receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

THEY ARE…

·        Pregnant Women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.

·        Household contacts and Caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age. Because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them form the virus.

·        Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity.

·        All people from 6 month through 24years of age

Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because there have been many cases of H1N1 (Swine) flu in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and daycare settings, increasing the likelihood of disease spread.

Young adults 19 through 24 year of age because there have been many cases of H1N1 (Swine) flu in these healthy young adults and they often live, work and study in close proximity, and they are frequently mobile population.

·        Persons age 25 through 64years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.  Examples of these health conditions are cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease and CHF.