Rhonda M. Medows, MD, Commissioner	Sonny Perdue, Governor

Georgia Public Health Districts Receive Initial H1N1 Nasal Spray Shipment

ATLANTA - Early shipments of vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 began arriving in some of Georgia's Health Districts. Quantities are limited in this first shipment of vaccine, and is a nasal spray vaccine known as live attenuated influenza vaccine. Georgia is focusing the use of this small, initial supply on healthy children age 2 to 4 years in order to reach a population that spreads the virus and is more at risk for hospitalization. The nasal spray version of the H1N1 vaccine can be used by healthy people age 2 years to 49 years and non-pregnant woman.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that states get the vaccine out as quickly as possible and immunize people as soon as possible, said Dr. Rhonda Medows, State Health Officer and Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner. While we are focusing on healthy 2 to 4 year olds with this initial shipment, Georgians can be assured that additional vaccine doses, including the inactivated injectable form, will be made available for over the next several weeks as states continue to receive shipments of the H1N1 vaccine."

H1N1 vaccine is being provided free of charge by the federal government at Public Health clinics, although administration fees may be charged to Medicaid or Medicare. Availability varies by District and Georgians should contact their local county health department. Private providers will also be offering H1N1 vaccinations as additional doses become available.

You cannot get the flu by taking this vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine sometimes produces mild side effects. The most common side effects are runny nose, wheezing, nasal congestion and fever. These are rare and less severe than any problems created by actually having the flu.

The nasal spray vaccine should NOT be given to the following:

• Children who are receiving treatments containing aspirin
• Children with a sensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine or have had life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations
• Children that are younger than 2 years old
• Children with asthma or children less than 4 years old with recurrent wheezing
• Children with health problems that predispose them to complications from flu
• Children that have a muscle, nerve, or seizure disorder that could lead to breathing or swallowing problems
• Children that have a weakened immune system

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine will not protect you from the seasonal flu and all Georgians should consider getting a seasonal flu vaccination this year.