Who Should Consider Vaccination?

The Department of Health is now providing H1N1 vaccine to any Pennsylvanian who wants it. However, the department continues to urge members of priority groups to be vaccinated against H1N1.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5 groups of people are considered most vulnerable to complications from the H1N1 virus and should consider getting the vaccination for H1N1 flu.

The CDC has identified the following groups as priority groups for receiving the vaccination.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are advised to get the H1N1 vaccine during pregnancy. Evidence that influenza can be more severe in pregnant women is available from observations during previous pandemics and from studies among pregnant women who had seasonal influenza. These problems may include early labor or severe pneumonia. In addition, maternal influenza virus infection and accompanying fever place fetuses at risk for complications such as birth defects and preterm birth.

Ages 6 months to 24 years

Because children 6 months to 18 years are in close contact in schools and day care centers, the likelihood that H1N1 could spread among them is increased. Otherwise healthy adults 19 to 24 are encouraged to get vaccinated because they often live, work and study in close proximity. Therefore, H1N1 vaccination is recommended for both groups.

Healthcare Providers and EMS Personnel

Infection among the 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.

Parents, Household Members or Caregivers of Children Under 6 Months

Because infants under 6 months cannot be vaccinated, their parents and caregivers should take care to stay flu-free in an effort to "cocoon" them from the virus.

Adults Under 65 with Certain Underlying Medical Conditions

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.