WASHINGTON. - U.S. health experts say it appears the number of cases for this wave of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak has peaked.>> WASHINGTON. - U.S. health experts say it appears the number of cases for this wave of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak has peaked. "We're going from a time where there was a lot of disease and not a lot of vaccine, to a time when the disease is decreasing," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden with the Centers for Disease Control. Still, the CDC says the virus still poses a threat with widespread cases in 32 states and deaths still being reported.>> SPOKANE, Wash. - New numbers show the H1N1 illness remains at high levels in our region.>> SPOKANE, Wash. - New numbers show the H1N1 illness remains at high levels in our region. Even though the number of H1N1 flu cases appears to be decreasing, the SRHD warns that a potential resurgence of the virus could happen at any time. The holiday season presents plenty of opportunity for the spread of viruses such as H1N1. The Health District does not know how H1N1 will continue to affect our community and the best defense now is to get vaccinated if you are in a priority group.>>
WASHINGTON. - Now is the time to get the swine flu vaccine, the government said Monday.
With 80 million doses available this week, the government's rolling out a new public service campaign urging children, young adults and pregnant women to get the swine flu vaccine.
The CDC is reporting fewer people are getting sick, but that may not be the case come January.
"This wave may be decreasing right now but what we want to do is prevent a third wave," said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Manufacturers are making 10 million new doses a week. At that rate, it could be spring before there's enough for everyone.
In some areas, priority groups have been covered and healthy Americans can get the vaccine now.
Pediatric deaths are a particular concern as 210 children have died from swine flu this year.
The Spokane Regional Health District is holding public clinics in December that will offer both versions of the H1N1 vaccine (injectable & nasal). Supply will be limited and you must schedule an appointment in advance. December clinics are as follows:
- December 8, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. East Central Community Center
- December 10, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Northeast Community Center
To make an appointment, you must fall into one of the Centers for Disease Control's priority groups.
They include:
- Pregnant women...
- People who live with or care for infants younger than six months old
- Healthcare and emergency medical workers
- Anyone from 6-months-old to 24-years-old
- People from 25-years-old to 64-years-old with a chronic health condition
If you qualify and want the vaccination, call 324-1648 for an appointment.
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