Public Health – H1N1 (swine flu)

Influenza Vaccines • Resources

H1N1 (SWINE) Flu Situational Update

Updated on February 8, 2010

H1N1 Vaccine is Now Available to EVERYONE

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The state of Oregon and the Centers for Disease Control have lifted restrictions on the H1N1 vaccine, and Benton County Public Health officials are strongly encouraging anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to do so.

• Flu season typically lasts through March, and another wave of widespread H1N1 illness is possible;
• Those who already have been ill this season may not have been infected with the H1N1 virus (cold viruses also have been making people ill through the fall); and
• Holiday travel and party season is imminent, meaning people will be in close contact with each other, and the vaccine takes seven to 10 days to take effect.
• Children under the age of ten who got their first H1N1 vaccine should receive a second dose.
• The second dose should be given 28 days or later after the first dose.
• The second dose is needed to better protect your child from the H1N1 flu.
• Vaccine is available in both nasal mist and injectable formulations.

“It is vitally important that everyone – especially those within the priority groups defined by the CDC – who has not received H1N1 vaccine, go and get vaccinated,” Benton County Health Department Deputy Director Charlie Fautin said. “With a new wave of H1N1 possible and the number of cases that people assume were H1N1 but were not confirmed, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our health.”

The official Benton County population is 86,120.  Of those, almost 47,000 (55%) fit within the above vaccine priority groups.

Through February 9th, 40,900 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been allocated for Benton County.  This is nearly enough to vaccinate the 47,000 Benton County residents in the priority groups listed above.

• Children under the age of ten who got their first H1N1 vaccine should receive a second dose.
• The second dose should be given 28 days or later after the first dose.
• The second dose is needed to better protect your child from the H1N1 flu.

To stay on top of the most recent events and advisories for the H1N1 flu, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu http://www.flu.oregon.gov http://www.co.benton.or.us/health/flu.php Benton County flu hotline at (541) 766-6246 Available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CDC Flu Hotline: 1-800-232-4636 Oregon State Department of Human Services:  1-800-978-3040 Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to noon Safe Net:  1-800-723-3638

Influenza Vaccines

Information on flu shots in Benton County
Benton County Health Services H1N1 Vaccination Distribution Plan

Information on flu symptoms

Resources for Caregivers and Employers

Resources for pregnant women
Resources for childcare providers
Frequently asked questions
H1N1 flu facts flyer
H1N1 flu facts flyer in Spanish
Resources for businesses and employers