The New H1N1 Vaccine

This year there will be a new vaccine available to treat the H1N1 influenza. As of September 12, 2009, Alameda County had reported 137 cases of H1N1, of which 14 people died and 51 were treated in intensive care units.

The Center for Disease Control has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages 25 through 64 who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

The Alameda County Department of Public Health has ordered a total of 200,000 shots of the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccinations will be provided free at some point in October to anyone who visits the department's community health clinics. The hope is that even those without insurance will be able to access the vaccine.

Check the Alameda County Public Health Department website at www.acphd.org for more information about when and where the new vaccine will be available.