From April to mid-November, close to 47 million Americans contracted the H1N1 flu virus, and while the pandemic has receded, another H1N1 wave could occur if vaccination rates slack off, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection.
Last week, the St. Charles Community Health Center finally received enough doses of the vaccine to be able to offer them at the center’s sites in Luling, Norco and Kenner.
Right now, the vaccine is free of charge to the public, but residents must still be a part of the target group.
Since the target group was expanded in November though, most residents will be eligible for the vaccine. The target group includes pregnant women, those who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months, people who live with or provide care to persons with disabilities, anyone from six months to 24 years of age and teachers and school staff.
People 25 years of age through 64 can get the vaccine if they have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or heart/lung disease, that make them more at risk of serious complications from the virus.
The center currently has about 350 doses of the H1N1 vaccine.
While the H1N1 virus seems to have receded, the seasonal flu is still to come, meaning the number of flu deaths and hospitalizations hasn’t come close to its final figure. So far, about 200,000 people have been hospitalized and nearly 10,000 have died. Seasonal flu normally kills about 36,000 people.
The health center has about 750 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine. The cost of the vaccine is $15.
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