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Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/12/state_health_officials_expect.html
State health officials expect H1N1 vaccine restrictions to be lifted by Monday
By Monica Scott The Grand Rapids Press
December 08, 2009, 11:59AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- By Monday, restrictions limiting the swine flu vaccine to high-risk groups will be lifted in all local health departments, state health officials said today.
Michigan Department of Community Health officials have been saying children, pregnant women, parents of infants who can't be vaccinated, health-care workers and people with chronic illnesses should get the first inoculations. But a greater supply of the vaccine has allowed them to open up clinics to the general public.
"It's really a supply and demand issue," said Dr. Greg Holzman, the Department of Community Health's chief medical executive, noting the agency feels it has reached people who are most susceptible.
"We've gotten our groups vaccinated as soon as possible and feel we are able to open it up to everybody," Holzman said.
Kent County Health Department will open up vaccinations to the general public Saturday. Ottawa County will begin open vaccinations Monday. The state is encouraging residents to contact their local health department about when clinics will be available.
Since April, 66 Michigan residents have died from H1N1 and 1,830 people have been hospitalized since September. The number of cases of influenza have declined significantly, from about 31,103 the week of Nov. 15-21 down to 10,059 from Nov. 22-28.
Bob Swanson, director of the Division of Immunization for DCH said there has been a delay in getting data to the registry of vaccinations.
E-mail Monica Scott: mscott@grpress.com
State health officials expect H1N1 vaccine restrictions to be lifted by Monday
By Monica Scott The Grand Rapids Press
December 08, 2009, 11:59AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- By Monday, restrictions limiting the swine flu vaccine to high-risk groups will be lifted in all local health departments, state health officials said today.
Michigan Department of Community Health officials have been saying children, pregnant women, parents of infants who can't be vaccinated, health-care workers and people with chronic illnesses should get the first inoculations. But a greater supply of the vaccine has allowed them to open up clinics to the general public.
"It's really a supply and demand issue," said Dr. Greg Holzman, the Department of Community Health's chief medical executive, noting the agency feels it has reached people who are most susceptible.
"We've gotten our groups vaccinated as soon as possible and feel we are able to open it up to everybody," Holzman said.
Kent County Health Department will open up vaccinations to the general public Saturday. Ottawa County will begin open vaccinations Monday. The state is encouraging residents to contact their local health department about when clinics will be available.
Since April, 66 Michigan residents have died from H1N1 and 1,830 people have been hospitalized since September. The number of cases of influenza have declined significantly, from about 31,103 the week of Nov. 15-21 down to 10,059 from Nov. 22-28.
Bob Swanson, director of the Division of Immunization for DCH said there has been a delay in getting data to the registry of vaccinations.
E-mail Monica Scott: mscott@grpress.com