Share this
Twitter
Myspace
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Export PDF
Print
E-mail
Tags
Swine flu is widespread in New Jersey and has played a role in the deaths of two men in the past three weeks, state health officials said Wednesday.
One of the men a 73-year-old from Hudson County died on Nov. 11. The other, a 53-year-old from Middlesex died on Nov. 22. Both had underlying medical problems and were hospitalized at the time of death.
A total of 13 H1N1 (swine flu) deaths have been reported since Sept. 1, 2009. There were 18 deaths reported during the H1N1 outbreak in the spring.
Health officials said a total of 1,580,700 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been shipped to New Jersey. A total of 773,700 doses have gone to county and local health departments, another 436,900 to physicians' offices, 54,300 to community health centers, and 38,500 to pharmacies.Health officials said the federal government has assured the state that it will be able to produce and distribute enough vaccine for everyone who wants it. However, with limited vaccine available, officials said it is important to first target the individuals most susceptible to H1N1 flu.
It is recommended that certain target groups be the first to receive the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. 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, and persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
The state Department of Health and Senior Services has two flu shot locators to help New Jerseyans find public health clinics that are being planned and will be announced when vaccine is available, as well as to find clinics with scheduled dates. People may also call New Jersey's H1N1 hotline – 1-866-321-9571
The state 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 state also has distributed antiviral medications to New Jersey's Federally Qualified Health Centers. Walgreens and other pharmacies will provide these medications with a valid prescription.
Medications received from pharmacies will cost a small administration fee. Medications received from FQHCs will be free to the FQHCs uninsured patients.
A state H1N1 information call center is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The toll free number is 866-321-9571.
The Health Department's H1N1 website is the source for up-to-date information on H1N1 influenza. 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.
New Jerseyans who would like to receive updated H1N1 information can also follow DHSS on Twitter.
