H1N1 Vaccine Available

For All Connecticut Residents

HARTFORD — Governor M. Jodi Rell announced December 16 that the state has now received enough H1N1 vaccine to make it available to anyone in Connecticut who would like to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.

More than 900,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been distributed in Connecticut to doctors, local health departments, and other providers who preregistered with the Department of Public Health. High priority groups, such as pregnant women, young children, medical personnel, and first responders, received the vaccine first.

“Fortunately, the state is seeing fewer H1N1 cases. However, it remains very important for everyone to continue take the necessary precautions to stay healthy this winter,” Gov Rell said. “The vaccine is now available for anyone interested in getting it.”

Those interested in getting vaccinated should contact their doctor or the local health department designated to administer the vaccine. Local health departments can be found at www.ct.gov/dph/mda.

The governor said the DPH is reporting a decline in H1N1 flu cases in the state, but does expect to see additional cases over the next several weeks. Common sense precaution, such as frequent hand-washing and covering your cough or sneeze, remain important practices in limiting the severity and spread.

Providers interested in obtaining the H1N1 vaccine may still register with DPH by going to www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/providers. For more information on the H1N1 flu, call the H1N1 hot line at 800-830-9426, or visit the CT Flu Watch website at www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch.

The governor’s announcement came just one day after the state Department of Public Health (DPH) identified 62 providers statewide who have received 7,800 doses of H1N1 vaccine that were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer. 

The vaccine was recalled after the manufacturer, as part of their quality assurance program, found that the antigen content was lower than required potency levels during routine testing.  There are no safety concerns associated with this recall.

Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert said her district did not receive any doses of the affected vaccine.

“This did not affect us at all – we did not receive any of the 0.25 milliliter pre-filled for 6-36 month olds,” Ms Culbert said.