December 23, 2009

H1N1 Vaccine Recommended for Everyone

The Virginia Department of Health is now recommending that all Virginians get the H1N1 vaccination. All health departments are now immunizing everyone who wants to be vaccinated against H1N1 and no longer focusing just on the high risk groups (although for these groups it is particularly important to get vaccinated).

Children under age 10 years still need a second dose of H1N1 vaccine if they have not already received it. Without that second dose, they may not be fully protected.

Vaccination remains the single most effective way to prevent H1N1 influenza. There is enough vaccine for everyone to receive protection.

December is not too late to get an H1N1 flu shot, since the flu season runs through April and in most years there are peaks in January or February. Although there was a peak of H1N1 virus activity in October, it is certainly possible there will be another peak in the next few months, from either H1N1 or seasonal flu.

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Media Contact: Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager