RiverView Clinics have received a limited number of H1N1 vaccines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to be administered to:
• pregnant women,
• persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months,
• health care and emergency personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material,
• children aged 6 months through 9 years, and
• children and adolescents aged 10-18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
Those interested in receiving the vaccine should call the clinic before coming in. The vaccine is available at RiverView Clinic in:
• Crookston (281-9595),
• East Grand Forks (218-773-1390),
• Fertile (218-945-6695), and
• Red Lake Falls (218-253-4606).
This year’s H1N1 influenza is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus. Signs of 2009 H1N1 can include: fatigue, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, coughing, and sneezing. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.
Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses). The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new flu virus. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses. Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).
H1N1 influenza vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines. They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines. They will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses. They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu.
