H1N1 Vaccine Now Available to All
The City of Philadelphia has received the H1N1 vaccine from the federal government, which is the sole source of the H1N1 flu vaccine for both public and private patients. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health will administer the H1N1 vaccine distribution program within the City, using healthcare facilities such as Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and schools throughout the City, as well as vaccination clinics in the City health district clinics. University Health Services is responsible for vaccinating Jefferson employees and students in accordance with the guidelines set by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Five initial target groups for vaccination efforts have been identified (order does not indicate priority) by the CDC. The primary focus of vaccination efforts should be to immunize, as quickly as possible, the recommended target groups below:
- Persons 6 months to 24 years of age
- Persons who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
- Persons 25 to 64 years of age with high-risk chronic medical conditions*
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare personnel ‡
Since vaccine availability has increased and the demand for vaccine in the five target groups have been met at the local level, providers can now begin vaccinating:
- Persons 25 to 64 years of age
- Persons 65 years of age and older
*Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, cognitive, neurologic/neuromuscular, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus) or immunosuppression (caused by medications or by HIV).
‡ This includes all paid and unpaid persons working in healthcare settings who have the potential for exposure to patients with influenza, infectious materials or contaminated environmental surfaces. Jefferson students in healthcare programs are included in the healthcare personnel target group.