Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Swine Flu Vaccine Will Be Free to the Public
Gov: State Could Receive 1.8 Million Doses
Updated 11:29 AM EDT, Sun, Aug 16, 2009
AP Governor M. Jodi Rell announced Sunday that swine flu (H1N1) vaccinations will be made free to the public as soon as the federal government makes them available. Connecticut could initially receive up to 1.8 million doses, according to a press release.
"Swine flu vaccines will be available at no cost and are particularly critical for individuals who are most vulnerable. They will be given priority when the first shipments of vaccine arrive," Governor Rell said in the release.
State health officials say the most at-risk groups are:
? pregnant women
? children ages 6 months to 4 years old
? children ages 5-18 with chronic medical conditions
? individuals who care for children
? health care professionals with direct patient contact
The CDC anticipates a swine flu vaccine will be licensed and ready for distribution by mid-fall of 2009, according to Rell's press release.
The Governor said federal funds will be available to reimburse doctors and other providers who administer the vaccine.
Doctors and health care providers interested in administering the vaccine will soon be able to register with the federal government so they can order the vaccine as soon as it becomes available, Rell said. There is no cost to sign up and registered providers are not committed to provide the vaccine. Federal registration forms will be available soon and can be accessed through DPH at www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/providers.
Rell said state health officials say a vaccine for seasonal influenza will also be available this fall.
Connecticut has had more than 1,900 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus and nine deaths, all of whom were people with underlying medical conditions.
For more information on how to keep yourself safe from the flu, visit www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch.
http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/...cine-Will-Be-Free-to-the-Public-53349482.html
Gov: State Could Receive 1.8 Million Doses
Updated 11:29 AM EDT, Sun, Aug 16, 2009
AP Governor M. Jodi Rell announced Sunday that swine flu (H1N1) vaccinations will be made free to the public as soon as the federal government makes them available. Connecticut could initially receive up to 1.8 million doses, according to a press release.
"Swine flu vaccines will be available at no cost and are particularly critical for individuals who are most vulnerable. They will be given priority when the first shipments of vaccine arrive," Governor Rell said in the release.
State health officials say the most at-risk groups are:
? pregnant women
? children ages 6 months to 4 years old
? children ages 5-18 with chronic medical conditions
? individuals who care for children
? health care professionals with direct patient contact
The CDC anticipates a swine flu vaccine will be licensed and ready for distribution by mid-fall of 2009, according to Rell's press release.
The Governor said federal funds will be available to reimburse doctors and other providers who administer the vaccine.
Doctors and health care providers interested in administering the vaccine will soon be able to register with the federal government so they can order the vaccine as soon as it becomes available, Rell said. There is no cost to sign up and registered providers are not committed to provide the vaccine. Federal registration forms will be available soon and can be accessed through DPH at www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/providers.
Rell said state health officials say a vaccine for seasonal influenza will also be available this fall.
Connecticut has had more than 1,900 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus and nine deaths, all of whom were people with underlying medical conditions.
For more information on how to keep yourself safe from the flu, visit www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch.
http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/...cine-Will-Be-Free-to-the-Public-53349482.html