H1N1 update from the Health Commissioner

23 December 2009
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Dear Colleague:

This week, with 3 million doses of H1N1 vaccine released to Virginia, marks the midpoint in our Vaccination campaign. Over 1 million doses have not only been administered, but also recorded in our immunization registry - creating a definitive, sharable immunization record especially helpful when a second dose is needed or a patient cannot document their immunizations. 700,000 doses were allocated on the 21st. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) hopes to meet 75% of all vaccine orders shortly. If you are a registered H1N1 vaccinator and need additional vaccine, please contact our Division of Immunization at 804 864-8055.


We have much to celebrate! Our success to date reflects the ongoing hard work and dedication of the medical community here in Virginia. Moving forward, I am asking you to encourage all Virginians to protect themselves with an H1N1 vaccination. Our data shows ongoing need in the under 5 years of age range as well as among the 18 to 24 year olds. And of course, the over 65 year olds should be encouraged to be vaccinated. While they have been less likely to become ill, those who do get infected are at risk for complications, often from underlying medical conditions. Vaccine is becoming available at pharmacies throughout the Commonwealth and continues to be available through local health departments, clinics, and private physician practices. Public sites can be found using the Flu Vaccine Locator tool at the VDH website www.vdh.virginia.gov.





Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recall of some lots of live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV or “nasal mist”) as a minimal drop in potency was noted to occur after its release. There are no safety issues; patients who received this vaccine do not need to take any special action. More information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/sprayrecall_qa.htm.
 
We are still early in our influenza season, and our Surveillance efforts continue to show widespread disease in Virginia at higher than typical rates, though down from the October peak. Similar to what was observed last summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so far H1N1 appears to have displaced seasonal flu virus as the dominant flu strain identified by laboratory testing. I ask that all sentinel physician offices, hospitals and medical facilities continue to provide samples for surveillance so that we can swiftly identify any virus strain shift.


Mitigation efforts are focused on working with hospitals to promote the use of standing orders for H1N1 vaccinations for patients upon discharge. Occasional outbreaks of respiratory disease, but no school closures, have been reported.


Effective Direct Patient Care depends on appropriate use of antiviral medications. With the stability and predominance of the H1N1 flu strain, there is no change in recommendations of particular antiviral medications at this time.

I want to note that this holiday season is a healthier one because of your dedication. I wish you all the best as you share time with your families and loved ones and look forward to working with you in 2010!

Sincerely,

Karen Remley, MD, MBA, FAAP
State Health Commissioner