H1N1 News
News and programs from WAMU 88.5 and NPR related to the new H1N1 pandemic.
Local Swine Flu Vaccination Centers
View WAMU - Local Swine Flu Vaccination Centers in a larger map
Molly Caldwell Crosby: "Asleep"
March 1, 2010 - A sleeping sickness epidemic in the wake of the 1918 influenza pandemic has been nearly forgotten. Scientists still don't know what caused it and why it suddenly disappeared, but they fear it could happen again.
Swine Flu -- A Coming Wave?
February 3, 2010 - The H1N1 vaccine is now plentiful across the country, but the swine flu pandemic seems to have abated. Not so, say most health officials, who are urging hesitant Americans to get vaccinated now. Join Kojo for an update on the virus's spread, and find out how to prepare for the next possible wave.
Health Leaders Urge H1N1 Vaccine
January 11, 2010 - By Matt McCleskey
This is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and health departments are urging those who haven't yet gotten the H1N1 flu vaccine to do so. In a proclamation announcing vaccination week, President Obama says it's an opportunity to prevent a possible third wave of H1N1 flu.
In our region, the health department in Virginia's Fairfax County is now holding daily vaccination clinics for anyone over six months old. The county's director of health, Gloria Addo Ayensu, says while the number of cases has been down in recent weeks, flu activity can be unpredictable and typically peaks in February.
Other jurisdictions around the region are also still offering the H1N1 vaccine for free.
D.C's Announces H1N1 Vaccine Clinics For January
January 6, 2010 - The DC Department of Health (DOH) will continue to serve District residents looking for the H1N1 vaccine at clinics during the month of January. DOH will continue to offer the vaccine at no cost to all District residents, regardless of whether or not they are in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) priority group.
In addition to clinics, vaccine seekers can still receive the vaccine at doctor’s offices and at pharmacies. Residents can find the closest H1N1 pharmacy or clinic by typing their address into the flu vaccine locator at flu.dc.gov. DOH will also extend the hours of its Georgia Ave. Immunization Clinic located at 6323 Georgia Ave. NW, to better accommodate those interested in receiving the vaccine. More clinic dates will be announced at a later date.
Schedule of Vaccine Clinics Open to All District Residents:
Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center (W1) Saturday
January 9 8 am – 1pm
DOH Immunization Clinic – Extended Hours
Monday
January 11 10 am – 7 pm
DOH Immunization Clinic – Extended Hours
Tuesday
January 12 10 am – 7 pm
DOH will continue to update District residents as new information becomes available regarding H1N1 and the vaccine. Residents can find regular updates and additional information on H1N1 at flu.dc.gov in addition to calling the H1N1 hotline though the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311.
Virginia Makes H1N1 Vaccine Available To All
December 22, 2009 - By Jonathan Wilson
Virginia has joined D.C. and Maryland in opening the door for anyone who wants it to get immunized against swine flu. Dr. Karen Remley, the state's health commissioner, says an additional 700,000 doses of vaccine are on their way to Virginia. That brings the total number of H1N1 doses made available across the state this flu season to more than three million.
Remley says people can arrange to receive vaccines through any one of more than 3,000 physician offices, pharmacies, clinics, big box stores and health departments that are registered vaccinators.
The flu continues to be widespread across much of Virginia. Health departments in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia say metropolitan residents can go across city and state lines to get vaccinated.
Virgina Health Department Encourages 18-24 Year Olds To Get H1N1 Vaccine
December 18, 2009 - By Kavitha Cardoza
Health experts in Virginia say they're are still trying to encourage some young people to get their H1N1 shots.
So far, health providers have distributed almost 2.5 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine in Virginia, and approximately a quarter of all children between one month and 18 years have had a shot. But Dr. Karen Remley, the state's health commissioner, says just 5 percent of residents between 18 and 24 have been vaccinated. She says that's because members of that age group see themselves as invulnerable.
"They're lots of studies done looking at that population, where they don't need reassurance because they don't think of themselves as getting sick, they don't really think of themselves as needing to worry about their health because they are generally so very healthy," says Dr. Remley.
Remley says the health department is working with youth groups and colleges to educate that age group about the vaccine.
News from NPR
With Swine Flu On The Wane, Health Officials Look Ahead
February 18, 2010 - Swine flu cases are dropping, and a look back shows the flu season was milder than expected. Public health authorities are already picking the ingredients for next season's flu vaccine.
Flu Vaccine In America: Epidemic Of Ambivalence
February 5, 2010 - Despite the government's full-court press to get Americans vaccinated against swine flu, only about 21 percent of adults have been immunized. About 40 percent of children, at higher risk for the illness, got shots or spray.
Blogger Overcomes Sloth And Gets Swine Flu Shot
January 20, 2010 - Have you been vaccinated against the swine flu? We finally got the shot, and it was no big deal.
As Demand Wanes For Swine Flu Vaccine, Questions Rise On Unfilled Orders
January 13, 2010 - Who's on the hook to pay for swine flu vaccine still in the pipeline? Is it the governments, which pushed vaccine makers to stretch their capacity to the limit last summer? Or will it be the companies that took a gamble they'd be compensated for all the vaccine?
Swine Flu Pandemic Eases But Hasn't Disappeared
December 29, 2009 - The head of the World Health Organization said it is premature to declare victory over the swine flu virus. The pandemic will continue to evolve for six months to a year.
American Indians Hit Hard By Swine Flu
December 25, 2009 - The mortality rate from the virus is four times higher among American Indians and Alaska Natives than any other racial or ethnic group. Officials blame the discrepancy on crowded living conditions, a higher incidence of complications from pre-existing conditions and poor access to health care facilities.
