20th Medical Group limits H1N1 vaccine

Published Nov. 18, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Vincent A. Mouzon
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Medical Group continues to have limited H1N1 vaccine for use in the high-risk dependent and active duty population.

"We have received a tremendous response for vaccinations from our population," said Maj. Candace Burr, 20th Medical Group Pediatrics and Immunizations. "Due to continued supply concerns we must ensure that we have enough vaccine to protect our highest-risk patients."

The medical group has identified 3,600 high-risk patients and sent them a card in the mail indicating they may receive the H1N1 vaccination. Only patients presenting this card or a prescription from their primary care manager will receive the vaccination.

Currently, the medical group is only vaccinating the following target groups as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, people between the ages of six months and 24 years of age, and people 25 to 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

"We continue to await shipment of our H1N1 vaccine for our active duty population and we expect to begin mass vaccination of the base soon," the major added.

The medical group will be working with unit deployment managers to get active duty personnel scheduled for their seasonal flu vaccinations. For more information please contact Major Burr at 803-895-6550 or 803-895-6096.