Accreditation

High-risks group targeted by ACIP to receive H1N1 vaccine first

Accreditation Connection, August 3, 2009

Five groups have been targeted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to be the first to receive the vaccine against novel influenza (H1N1), according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. The vaccination efforts are designed to help reduce the impact and spread of novel influenza C and influenza A subtypes (H1N1).

ACIP has recommended that when the vaccine becomes available, programs and providers should vaccinate:

  • pregnant women
  • people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age
  • healthcare and emergency services personnel with direct patient contact
  • children six months through four years of age
  • children five through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

    The committee believes that there will not be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, and recommends that once the demand for the vaccine for these prioritized groups has been made, that programs and providers should begin to vaccinate everyone from the age of 25 through 64 years. Then once this group has been met, those that are over the age of 65 should be vaccinated as well.

    ACIP wants to remind people that the H1N1 vaccine is not a replacement for the seasonal influenza vaccine, and that both vaccines are intended to protect people.

    To read more, click here.

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