Preparing for a Potential H1N1 Outbreak in Texas
Ken Paxton, State Representative District 70
I have recently heard concerns from some of my constituents about the anticipated resurgence of the novel H1N1 flu virus (previously referred to as “swine flu”) this fall when the typical flu season begins. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently issued a press release to answer some basic questions about H1N1 and the vaccine, and I would like to share this information with you.
Seasonal flu viruses have been circulating in human populations for several seasons, allowing people to build immunities to them. However, most people do not yet have immunity to the new strain of H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 virus that is currently circulating in the United States is passed from person to person without contact with pigs. Therefore, the name now being used is novel H1N1 flu, rather than swine flu. Novel H1N1 flu is a respiratory illness thought to spread in the same way that seasonal flu is spread, which is through people infected with the virus who are coughing or sneezing. It can be spread by touching something with flu viruses on it, such as a tissue or a door knob, and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
While a vaccine is available to prevent seasonal flu, a vaccine for the H1N1 flu is not yet available. However, clinical trials including effectiveness and safety testing are currently underway. The vaccine is expected to be ready for distribution in October for individuals who choose to receive the vaccine. I want to emphasize that the State has no plans to make the vaccine mandatory.
Priority populations who should first receive vaccines are based on recommendations by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). DSHS is following these recommendations for planning purposes and recommending the first available vaccines for the following populations:
· Pregnant women;
· Household contacts of babies under six months of age;
· Health care and emergency medical services workers;
· Children and young people between six months and 24 years of age; and
· People between 24 and 65 who have chronic medical conditions.
As additional and sufficient supplies of the vaccine become available, additional groups will be included for vaccination. There will be no charge for the H1N1 vaccine itself. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention will provide information regarding reimbursement of a vaccine administration fee to providers. Texas will depend on health care providers, including pharmacists, who typically vaccinate against seasonal influenza, to administer the H1N1 vaccine.
For more information on novel H1N1 issues, including symptoms and ways to prevent contracting the flu, DSHS has developed the website, www.TexasFlu.org, where visitors can sign up for email updates.