What is H1N1 influenza?

H1N1 flu is a droplet illness just like seasonal flu.  Viruses are present in droplets that are spread when coughing or sneezing.  The symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu.  A cough and fever of greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit are the most common symptoms.  These are typically, but not always, accompanied with a generally tired feeling and body aches.  The only mild difference between H1N1 and seasonal flu symptoms is that 25-30 percent of H1N1 flu cases also have gastrointestinal illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea.  H1N1 flu also seems to affect a much younger population than seasonal flu.

Who should receive the H1N1 flu vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established priority groups who should receive the vaccine first.  YAMMRS plans to reach the high-risk groups through a variety of distribution mechanisms.  These include:

- Pregnant women: They are expected to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine at their obstetrician’s office.  WellSpan, Memorial and Hanover will ensure that their respective obstetrician practices have sufficient vaccine for their pregnant patients.

- Health care workers:  Infection among healthcare providers treating the public could potentially infect patients seeking treatment for other health problems. Also, healthcare providers are encouraged to get vaccinated so they can stay well enough to treat the rest of the population.  All health care facilities in York and Adams counties will provide vaccine to their own employees as soon as practically possible. 

- School-age children:  Because school-aged are in close contact in schools, the likelihood that H1N1 could spread among them is increased. Therefore, H1N1 vaccination is recommended for both groups.  YAMMRS is working closely with school districts in both counties to vaccinate children in their schools.  Qualified volunteers will assist with administering the H1N1 vaccine in schools.  Information on how you can volunteer for this effort is also available on this website. 

- Preschool age children and young individuals up to 24 years of age:  These age categories are also at increased risk because of their close contact with one another in childcare centers and on college campuses.  YAMMRS will be scheduling community public vaccination sites to provide the H1N1 vaccine to this group.  The dates, times, and locations of those clinics will be listed on this website.

- Household contacts of infants less than six months of age:  The immune system of a child less than six months is unable to develop a sufficient response to vaccination.  Therefore, it is recommended that household contacts of these infants receive the H1N1 vaccine.  The dates, times and locations of community-based vaccination clinics will be listed on this website.

- Adults, 18-64 years old, with serious chronic illness:  People with conditions including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders should receive the H1N1 vaccination to prevent further complications.  These individuals will be vaccinated at community-based vaccination clinics.  The dates, times and locations of these clinics will be listed on this website.