H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The Snohomish Health District has made the decision to cancel all future H1N1 mass vaccination clinics and to begin distributing the H1N1 vaccine to physicians’ offices. Limited supplies of vaccine will be directed to Snohomish County medical providers whose patients are at high risk of complications from H1N1 influenza. No retail pharmacies and not all providers will have vaccine until the supply of vaccine improves.
Providence Physician Group patients
Providence Physician Group has a limited supply of H1N1 flu vaccine on hand that we are reserving for our patients who are at highest risk for complications from the virus. The vaccine is available only by appointment to our patients who fall into one of the following priority groups:
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Pregnant women
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Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months
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Health care and emergency medical services personnel
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Children and young adults aged 6 months -24 years
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Persons aged 25 - 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza.
People who are older than age 65 do not qualify for the H1N1 vaccine while supply is limited, even if they fall into another target group. The over 65 population has had some exposure to the H1N1 virus over their life time and have already developed some immunity. The younger population has no immunity and are at greater risk of dying from H1N1 virus. H1N1 vaccine will be available to seniors and all others who want it when the supply is more readily available.
If you are a Providence Physician Group patient and fall in one of the above target groups, contact your clinic about scheduling an appointment for your H1N1 vaccine. Please remember that we only have small quantities on hand and we are doing our best to take care of our most at risk patients first.
A list of Snohomish County providers who have a limited supply of vaccine is posted on Flu Central for Snohomish County and updated weekly. Visit the site for the most update information on the availability of the vaccine and H1N1 information.
H1N1 nasal spray vs. shot
Both the nasal spray (contains live virus) and the shot (contains inactivated virus) will be available at the clinics noted above. Please note that some people cannot get the nasal spray.
It is advised that you should not get the nasal spray if you are:
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Over 50 years old
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Pregnant
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Have asthma or lung disease
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Had one or more episodes of wheezing in the past year
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Have heart disease, diabetes or endocrine disorders
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Have cerebral palsy or seizure disorder
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Have a history of swallowing problems
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Have a weakened immune system, cancer or HIV
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Are on any medications that weaken the immune system
Who should consider getting a H1N1 (Swine Flu) shot?
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Healthcare and emergency services personnel
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Pregnant women
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People who have contact with children under six months old
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People 6 months to 24 years old
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People 25 to 64 years old with chronic health conditions
What about H1N1 vaccines for children?
Should I get a seasonal flu shot, H1NI or both?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes recommendations about who should get which shot. There are different target groups for seasonal flu shots and H1N1 shots. Seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day if you fall into both categories. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine. The target groups for each are listed above.
Seasonal Flu
We are currently out of seasonal flu vaccine but are expecting additional vaccine to arrive at a later time. Please note that receiving a seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from H1N1 (Swine Flu). You need to receive a separate vaccination for H1N1.
Who should get a seasonal flu shot?
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Children ages 6 months to 18 years
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Pregnant women
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People age 50 and older
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People with chronic medical conditions
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People who live in nursing homes
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People who live with or care for those at high risk for flu complications
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Health care and emergency services personnel
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People who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu
If you visit one of our clinics with flu symptoms:
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If you're coughing or sneezing, we'll ask you to put on a mask and use an alcohol-based hand cleaner to wash your hands.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as this spreads germs quickly.
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Your provider will determine whether a flu test or medication is necessary.
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Prophylactic medication (in case you might get sick) is not recommended.
How can I stay healthy during flu season?
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Cover your nose and mouth with your arm or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as this spreads germs quickly.
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Whenever possible, avoid close contact with sick people and avoid being in crowds.
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Influenza spreads mainly through infected people coughing or sneezing.
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If you are mildly sick, stay home until you are symptom-free for 24 hours.
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If you have severe body aches, fever, headaches, chills, cough, and sore throat, please call us and we will be happy to see you.
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