This week, the H1N1 flue is still present in the state. However, more than 2 1/2 million doses of the vaccine have been administered.
Specific data is included in the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services, below.



Surveillance:
Currently, there is regional influenza-like activity in New Jersey. The vast majority of states in the country are also experiencing regional activity.

There were no H1N1-related deaths reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in this week’s report.



Vaccine Availability:
As of Jan. 20, more than 2.5 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been shipped to providers. Vaccine has been ordered by more than 1,400 ship-to providers.



Facility Type


Received Doses

County and local health departments: 1,311,900

Physicians’ offices and employee health services: 707,800

Hospitals: 230,700

Community Health Centers : 87,900

Colleges and schools : 85,700

Government agency and health care facilities that serve target populations:
59,300

Retail pharmacies : 58,700

Adult Clinics: 200



Vaccine for General Public:
The Department is highly recommending that everyone get an H1N1 vaccine. There is now a significant amount of vaccine available in the state and there is additional vaccine available for providers to order. Many public health agencies are holding clinics for the general public.



H1N1 Vaccine Target Groups
Although New Jersey is now offering H1N1 vaccine to the general public, the Department continues to emphasize the importance for people in target groups to be vaccinated because they are at higher risk for complications of H1N1. These groups include:

* Pregnant women
* Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
* Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
* All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
* Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.



Finding a flu shot:
The following tools may be helpful for New Jerseyans seeking an H1N1 flu shot:

* The DHSS website has two flu shot locators to help individuals find public health clinics.
* Contact your physician, community health center, local pharmacy, local or county health department, hospital or school. Many doctors, health clinics and schools are providing vaccine to their patients and students, while local health departments, pharmacies and some hospitals are offering clinics to the public.
* Call New Jersey’s H1N1 Information Hotline - 1-866-321-9571



Communications:
The Department has launched a Facebook page as another source of information. The page – New Jersey H1N1 Resources – can be found through the Department’s website (www.nj.gov/health/h1n1) or through a Facebook search. (www.facebook.com).

In addition, individuals can receive updated H1N1 information by following the DHSS on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FluNJ.

The Department’s H1N1 website continues to be the source for up-to-date information on H1N1 influenza in New Jersey. The website also contains videos, public service announcements, press releases, posters and flyers. The website is updated frequently, so please visit daily for new information and links.

Watch for the Department’s new public service announcements with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Susan Walsh, which encourage individuals to get vaccinated, stay informed and stay healthy. These radio and television announcements are on the DHSS website.



State Public Call Center:
A state H1N1 information call center was activated on October 6. To date, the call center has received more than 32,000 calls from the general public, healthcare providers, and others. The overwhelming majority of the calls are regarding where people can find flu vaccine. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The toll free number is 866-321-9571.



Antiviral Medications:
The Department has entered into an agreement with all Walgreen stores and other retail pharmacies in the state to make available antiviral medications that will specifically be offered to uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department also has distributed antiviral medications to New Jersey’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

Walgreens and other pharmacies will provide these medications with a valid prescription. Medications received from pharmacies will cost a small administrative fee. Medications received from FQHCs will be free to the FQHC’s uninsured patients.

Stop the Spread:
There are certain preventive measures that everyone can take to help slow the spread of H1N1 this fall and winter. These actions include common-sense measures to limit the spread of germs, including:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you are sick.
* Get an H1N1 and seasonal vaccine.



Questions and Answers:



If I took influenza antiviral drugs after getting vaccinated, do I need to be revaccinated?

If a person takes antiviral drugs within two weeks of getting the nasal mist (live) flu vaccine, that person should get revaccinated. (The antiviral drugs will have killed the vaccine viruses that are supposed to cause the immune response against those viruses.) Antiviral drugs can be taken with the inactivated (killed) flu vaccine.



Do I need to go to the emergency room if I am only a little sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people there who do have it. However, if you develop emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room immediately.