The Indiana State Department of Health reports there has been a total of 317 confirmed cases of the pandemic H1N1 influenza in the state, including four deaths, in 2009.
State health officials say every flu season has the potential to cause a lot of illnesses, doctor's visits, hospitizations and deaths. The Indiana State Health Department is concerned the new H1N1 flu virus could potentially result in a severe flu season this year.
"Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza," said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. "I urge the public start to go out and get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available at their doctor's offices and in their communities."
Dr. Monroe says the seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against the pandemic H1N1 influenza. However a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine- it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.
The current high-risk groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
All people from six months through 24 years of age
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months
Pregnant women aged 25 thru 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical conplications from influenza; and
Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact.
"The goal is to eventually get everyone in Indiana over the age of six months vaccinated for the pandemic H1N1 flu," said Dr. Monroe. "If we see changes in show is at greatest risk for hospitalizations and death from H1N1, then the recommendations would be revised, accordingly."