Vaccine Supply Rising It’s time for members of priority group to get vaccinated
December 8, 2009
Now that the H1N1 influenza vaccine is arriving steadily in Oregon, Oregon Public
Health officials are urging everyone in the priority group to get vaccinated right
away. Until recently, health care providers were focusing efforts on the highest risk
people in the vaccine priority group, such as pregnant women and people with
underlying health conditions. Now supply is large enough that officials want to
make sure everyone in the priority group – including healthy children – get the
vaccine. Read more...
Seasonal Influenza Protection Tips
Influenza peaks during the fall and winter months. Remember, the best way to protect yourself
and others is by practicing good health habits. These prevention recommendations include:
Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water for 20 seconds,
especially when you are in public places. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Cover your cough. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, NOT your hand.
Stay home if you are sick. Explore options for working from home if they are available.
If you have to go into the office then limit your exposure to others.
Get the flu vaccine—each year a special vaccine is made to protect from this year’s strain
or flu virus. Vaccines will be offered at central sites as in the past or at your
work place.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu:
H1N1 is spread the same way as the seasonal flu: from person–to–person, especially
through an infected person coughing or sneezing. You may also catch it by touching
things that have come in contact with the virus and then touching your mouth or nose.
You cannot get H1N1 flu from eating pork.
The H1N1 vaccine requires two shots about three weeks apart to be effective. Regular
seasonal flu vaccine should not be administered in conjunction with the H1N1 vaccine,
so people will have to plan when they want to get which vaccine.
Currently, there are no central inoculation sites for the H1N1 vaccine.
You will need to contact your health care provider for vaccine information.
Preparedness
Due to the uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, the City of Tigard
is developing a plan that will help the city continue
to provide critical services during an influenza outbreak. All individuals, families, and businesses
are encouraged to prepare themselves for the potential of an influenze outbreak.
Normal "all-hazard" preparedness advocates being prepared for a minimum of 72 hours.
