The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reminds parents and health care providers that children younger than 10 should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in order to achieve optimal protection against pandemic flu.
While Ohioans 10 and older need only one dose to be protected, research has shown that two doses of vaccine are required to provide immunity for children 6 months to 9 years.
Children are particularly at risk for H1N1 because of limited previous exposure to the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the two doses of H1N1 vaccine be separated by 28 days to be effective. Caregivers of children younger than 10 are encouraged to keep the dates between doses in mind in order to provide their loved ones with full protection.
“Please fully protect your youngsters by ensuring they receive two doses of H1N1 vaccine,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “More than 2 million doses have been distributed in Ohio, so check with your doctor or local health department regarding availability.”
In addition to being vaccinated, Ohioans can help stop the spread of illness by washing hands thoroughly and often; covering mouths when sneezing or coughing; and staying home from work or school if sick.
“Common sense is your best defense,” Jackson added.
Jackson also reminds Ohioans that children younger than 6 months cannot receive influenza vaccine, which is why caregivers and those who live with children younger than 6 months are among those high-priority individuals for receiving the H1N1 vaccine.
For more information, check the ODH Web site at http://www.flu.ohio.gov or call the ODH H1N1 information line at 1-866-800-1404 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Columbus, Ohio —
