Moms who are NOT HIGH RISK getting the H1N1 shot ahead of high risk people

[Anonymous]

From what I read of the other thread the healthy adults that were vaccinated were actively telling the vaccination personnel that they didn't qualify as high-risk. And it sounded like at least most of them were parents of children under 2 who were turned away for the vaccine. It is one thing to get the vaccine to protect yourself - it is another thing to get the shot because it is the only way to assure that your own young child (who is high risk unless and until he or she can get the shot) is protected. Some have said that vaccines are available for under 2 in other places, but I can't imagine that these parents knew that when they were standing there being told the vaccine wasn't available for their child. And residency may or may not be an issue - most reports say it doesn't matter but there is definitely conflicting info out there.

Agreed there is conflicting info out there.

I can't agree with you that the parents were unaware that they could get the vaccine elsewhere for their children. Rockville, DC, and soon Fairfax County will all be vaccinating children 6 months to 36 months. The parents just didn't want to wait their turn or have their trip to the clinic be for nothing.

The staff are as much to blame as the parents are.

A little public shame on everyone involved in this type of cheating the system would go a long way.

[Anonymous]

It seems to me that Arlington should confirm with Fairfax that the vaccine for children from 6 months - 36 months is available to non-Fairfax-County residents. If so, Arlington should suggest that parents take those children to Fairfax and decline to vaccinate the parents if they are not high risk.

I'm unhappy with Arlington for vaccinating people not on the priority list, and really unhappy with the non-priority people who accepted the vaccine, thereby taking it away from people on the priority list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

From what I read of the other thread the healthy adults that were vaccinated were actively telling the vaccination personnel that they didn't qualify as high-risk. And it sounded like at least most of them were parents of children under 2 who were turned away for the vaccine. It is one thing to get the vaccine to protect yourself - it is another thing to get the shot because it is the only way to assure that your own young child (who is high risk unless and until he or she can get the shot) is protected. Some have said that vaccines are available for under 2 in other places, but I can't imagine that these parents knew that when they were standing there being told the vaccine wasn't available for their child. And residency may or may not be an issue - most reports say it doesn't matter but there is definitely conflicting info out there.

Agreed there is conflicting info out there.

I can't agree with you that the parents were unaware that they could get the vaccine elsewhere for their children. Rockville, DC, and soon Fairfax County will all be vaccinating children 6 months to 36 months. The parents just didn't want to wait their turn or have their trip to the clinic be for nothing.

The staff are as much to blame as the parents are.

A little public shame on everyone involved in this type of cheating the system would go a long way.

What makes you think that these parents were aware that under 2 doese were in fact available in other places? Or that residency wasn't going to be an issue?

[Anonymous]

Our pediatricians office has the flu shot and mist. They give it to anyone. Is this because they are private and not a public clinic? Below is what they sent out -

Please read the following carefully. As well, please note that the hours for walk-in flu clinic have changed.

We have received our second shipment of H1N1 vaccine. We now have the NASAL SPRAY as well as the injection. The injection that we have does have thimerosal as a preservative. We anticipate receiving the thimerosal -free injection within the next 30 days.

You can receive an injection regardless of whether you have previously been vaccinated with seasonal FluMist (Nasal Spray) or injection. The only people who should not get the H1N1 injection are those who are allergic to eggs.

It is recommended that everyone under 10 years old get 2 doses of H1N1 regardless of whether you get the injection or the mist. The second dose for the LAIV (Nasal Spray) will ideally be given 4 weeks after the first dose.

We believe that the vaccine is safe and that the benefits of vaccination dramatically outweigh the risks/burdens.

H1N1 live attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV (Nasal Spray) is a very good vaccine and we do recommend it. However, not everyone can get it. There are very specific exclusion criteria.

You MAY NOT Receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if you are/have:
younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
pregnant
asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immunocompromised
received the SEASONAL FLUMIST® within the past 4 weeks
received VARIVAX® (chicken pox ) or MMR (measles) vaccine within the past 4 weeks
taken Tamiflu within the past 2 weeks

You MAY Receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if you are/have:
already gotten the seasonal flu vaccine injection
living with someone who is younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
living with someone who is pregnant
living with someone who has asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immunocompromised

When Can I Come for my Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccines are available without an appointment Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4 :00 pm. The office is closed from 1:00pm to 2:00pm for lunch.

Wednesday, October 28th
Thursday, November 5th
Wednesday, November 11th

What is the cost of a flu vaccine?
Everyone will be charged $20 for the administration of the vaccine. The cost will cover staffing, overhead, and compliance costs. We are unable to submit to insurance for the administration of the vaccine.

What if there is a flu vaccine shortage?
In the past several years flu vaccine shortages have appeared in two forms. There has been national underproduction as well as misdistribution. We have every expectation that we will be able to provide immunization to anyone who seeks it. However, in the event of a shortage, will reserve the right to prioritize vaccine administration and cancel evening flu clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our office has received a large number of questions regarding the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray). Here are the answers to some of the most common questions:

Pregnancy:
I am pregnant can I receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
No, you must receive the inactivated injection
I am pregnant can my family members receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
Yes, as long as they are over age 2 and do not have medical conditions that exclude H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) administration.

Age, Immunocompromised and exclusion:
What are medical conditions that exclude H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
They include asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or if you are immunocompromised.
What if I have daily contact with someone who is immunocompromised, is receiving chemotherapy or has had an organ transplant?
You can receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)
My child who is under 2 can not receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray), can I get it since we live in the same house?
Yes
Can I bring my Grandmother to get H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
It is not recommended for people over the age of 49 years.
Can she receive the H1N1 vaccine injection?
Yes

Already had the disease or started the seasonal flu vaccine series:
What if I already received the seasonal Flumist Vaccine?
You may also receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) as long as there has been at least 4 wks between doses of H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray).
What if I already received the seasonal flu vaccine injection?
You may receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) vaccine at any time.
I think I already had the Swine Flu, should I get the vaccine?
Yes
When I was diagnosed with the flu I was treated with Tamiflu, can I receive the vaccine?
You can receive the vaccine if it has been more than 2 wks since you finished taking Tamiflu.

Miscellaneous questions:
Can my child receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if he/she is due to receive immunizations at a routine well child visit in the next few weeks?
If your child is due to receive a live vaccine such as the chicken pox vaccine or the MMR they can receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) on the same day, otherwise there must be at least 4 wks between Flu mist and any other live vaccine.
How many doses of H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) do I need?
If you are under 10 years of age it is recommended that you receive 2 doses at least 4 wks apart. If you are 10 years old or older you only need one dose of the vaccine.

[Anonymous]

It seems to me that Arlington should confirm with Fairfax that the vaccine for children from 6 months - 36 months is available to non-Fairfax-County residents. If so, Arlington should suggest that parents take those children to Fairfax and decline to vaccinate the parents if they are not high risk.

I'm unhappy with Arlington for vaccinating people not on the priority list, and really unhappy with the non-priority people who accepted the vaccine, thereby taking it away from people on the priority list.

I'm in the same place as you on this. Arlington and Fairfax should be talking to each other. The staff should be communicating this info to the parents and declining the non-high risk parents. The parents that are being offered vaccines out of turn should decline so those who need it can get it.

At the end of the day, the people that are losing out here are the ones who need it most.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the medium-high risk group (not pregnant or under 2 but have significant asthma). I have not received the vaccine in any form, although I did get the seasonal shot. I had the swine flu in July (as did my 4 year old), and we both lived to tell the tale. I do not understand the level of hysteria on this board.

[Anonymous]

It's Arlington's decision how to best manage the priorities in the absence of a vaccine for the under 2 yo children. CDC didn't write the guidelines in anticipation of that.

Their decision does follow the intent of the CDC guidelines, which call for vaccinating parents and caregivers of the infants in part because they cannot be vaccinated.

If they get the vaccine, fine. But if not, they have to do what they think is best to look out for the public as a whole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's Arlington's decision how to best manage the priorities in the absence of a vaccine for the under 2 yo children. CDC didn't write the guidelines in anticipation of that.

Their decision does follow the intent of the CDC guidelines, which call for vaccinating parents and caregivers of the infants in part because they cannot be vaccinated.

If they get the vaccine, fine. But if not, they have to do what they think is best to look out for the public as a whole.

I understand. But wouldn't it make more sense and maximize the public health benefits to send the young kids to get the vaccine in Fairfax instead of vaccinating the parents and leaving the child still in need of the vaccine. By doing it Arlington's way, fewer high-risk patients get the vaccine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the medium-high risk group (not pregnant or under 2 but have significant asthma). I have not received the vaccine in any form, although I did get the seasonal shot. I had the swine flu in July (as did my 4 year old), and we both lived to tell the tale. I do not understand the level of hysteria on this board.

Just because you and your 4 year old are okay, does not mean everyone who gets h1n1 will be okay. When I was pregnant I was hospitalized due to complications from the flu (tachycardia). In at-risk populations, what is just an annoying illness to most people can be very dangerous or life threatening. If you already had swine flu in July you probably don't need to get vaccinated since you have developed antibodies to the virus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our pediatricians office has the flu shot and mist. They give it to anyone. Is this because they are private and not a public clinic? Below is what they sent out -

Please read the following carefully. As well, please note that the hours for walk-in flu clinic have changed.

We have received our second shipment of H1N1 vaccine. We now have the NASAL SPRAY as well as the injection. The injection that we have does have thimerosal as a preservative. We anticipate receiving the thimerosal -free injection within the next 30 days.

You can receive an injection regardless of whether you have previously been vaccinated with seasonal FluMist (Nasal Spray) or injection. The only people who should not get the H1N1 injection are those who are allergic to eggs.

It is recommended that everyone under 10 years old get 2 doses of H1N1 regardless of whether you get the injection or the mist. The second dose for the LAIV (Nasal Spray) will ideally be given 4 weeks after the first dose.

We believe that the vaccine is safe and that the benefits of vaccination dramatically outweigh the risks/burdens.

H1N1 live attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV (Nasal Spray) is a very good vaccine and we do recommend it. However, not everyone can get it. There are very specific exclusion criteria.

You MAY NOT Receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if you are/have:
younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
pregnant
asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immunocompromised
received the SEASONAL FLUMIST® within the past 4 weeks
received VARIVAX® (chicken pox ) or MMR (measles) vaccine within the past 4 weeks
taken Tamiflu within the past 2 weeks

You MAY Receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if you are/have:
already gotten the seasonal flu vaccine injection
living with someone who is younger than 2 years or older than 49 years
living with someone who is pregnant
living with someone who has asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immunocompromised

When Can I Come for my Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccines are available without an appointment Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4 :00 pm. The office is closed from 1:00pm to 2:00pm for lunch.

Wednesday, October 28th
Thursday, November 5th
Wednesday, November 11th

What is the cost of a flu vaccine?
Everyone will be charged $20 for the administration of the vaccine. The cost will cover staffing, overhead, and compliance costs. We are unable to submit to insurance for the administration of the vaccine.

What if there is a flu vaccine shortage?
In the past several years flu vaccine shortages have appeared in two forms. There has been national underproduction as well as misdistribution. We have every expectation that we will be able to provide immunization to anyone who seeks it. However, in the event of a shortage, will reserve the right to prioritize vaccine administration and cancel evening flu clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our office has received a large number of questions regarding the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray). Here are the answers to some of the most common questions:

Pregnancy:
I am pregnant can I receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
No, you must receive the inactivated injection
I am pregnant can my family members receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
Yes, as long as they are over age 2 and do not have medical conditions that exclude H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) administration.

Age, Immunocompromised and exclusion:
What are medical conditions that exclude H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
They include asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or if you are immunocompromised.
What if I have daily contact with someone who is immunocompromised, is receiving chemotherapy or has had an organ transplant?
You can receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)
My child who is under 2 can not receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray), can I get it since we live in the same house?
Yes
Can I bring my Grandmother to get H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray)?
It is not recommended for people over the age of 49 years.
Can she receive the H1N1 vaccine injection?
Yes

Already had the disease or started the seasonal flu vaccine series:
What if I already received the seasonal Flumist Vaccine?
You may also receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) as long as there has been at least 4 wks between doses of H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray).
What if I already received the seasonal flu vaccine injection?
You may receive the H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) vaccine at any time.
I think I already had the Swine Flu, should I get the vaccine?
Yes
When I was diagnosed with the flu I was treated with Tamiflu, can I receive the vaccine?
You can receive the vaccine if it has been more than 2 wks since you finished taking Tamiflu.

Miscellaneous questions:
Can my child receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) if he/she is due to receive immunizations at a routine well child visit in the next few weeks?
If your child is due to receive a live vaccine such as the chicken pox vaccine or the MMR they can receive H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) on the same day, otherwise there must be at least 4 wks between Flu mist and any other live vaccine.
How many doses of H1N1 LAIV (Nasal Spray) do I need?
If you are under 10 years of age it is recommended that you receive 2 doses at least 4 wks apart. If you are 10 years old or older you only need one dose of the vaccine.

What pediatrician is this? I am thinking I should switch (not just for the vaccine, but because it seems like such a flexible, open type of place!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's Arlington's decision how to best manage the priorities in the absence of a vaccine for the under 2 yo children. CDC didn't write the guidelines in anticipation of that.

Their decision does follow the intent of the CDC guidelines, which call for vaccinating parents and caregivers of the infants in part because they cannot be vaccinated.

If they get the vaccine, fine. But if not, they have to do what they think is best to look out for the public as a whole.

I understand. But wouldn't it make more sense and maximize the public health benefits to send the young kids to get the vaccine in Fairfax instead of vaccinating the parents and leaving the child still in need of the vaccine. By doing it Arlington's way, fewer high-risk patients get the vaccine.

Possibly, but we don't know how much Fairfax has on hand. For all we know they already talked to them.

[Anonymous]

BTW I would expect that any conversation with Fairfax would be to borrow some 6-36 month vaccine until Arlington's supplies arrive. It's easier to ship over the vaccine than to send everyone over there just for their toddlers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's Arlington's decision how to best manage the priorities in the absence of a vaccine for the under 2 yo children. CDC didn't write the guidelines in anticipation of that.

Their decision does follow the intent of the CDC guidelines, which call for vaccinating parents and caregivers of the infants in part because they cannot be vaccinated.

If they get the vaccine, fine. But if not, they have to do what they think is best to look out for the public as a whole.

I understand. But wouldn't it make more sense and maximize the public health benefits to send the young kids to get the vaccine in Fairfax instead of vaccinating the parents and leaving the child still in need of the vaccine. By doing it Arlington's way, fewer high-risk patients get the vaccine.

Possibly, but we don't know how much Fairfax has on hand. For all we know they already talked to them.

They have 10,000 doses. It's on their website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I understand. But wouldn't it make more sense and maximize the public health benefits to send the young kids to get the vaccine in Fairfax instead of vaccinating the parents and leaving the child still in need of the vaccine. By doing it Arlington's way, fewer high-risk patients get the vaccine.

A lot of people don't have the resources to take another day off of work or drive further away to chase down a vaccine. If workers told moms and kids -- sorry, we can't do you here, but drive to this other location and they will vax your child, a substantial number of people who showed up for the first vaccine would just give up. THose would disproportionately be lower income folks, as well, IMO. People with fewer resources. I think given that they showed up at a clinic, vaccinating the parents of those they couldn't vaccinate made sense and was in the public interest.

[Anonymous]

A lot of people don't have the resources to take another day off of work or drive further away to chase down a vaccine. If workers told moms and kids -- sorry, we can't do you here, but drive to this other location and they will vax your child, a substantial number of people who showed up for the first vaccine would just give up. THose would disproportionately be lower income folks, as well, IMO. People with fewer resources. I think given that they showed up at a clinic, vaccinating the parents of those they couldn't vaccinate made sense and was in the public interest.

Same argument can be made for both sides of the debate. Many of the pregnant women and at risk people that were turned away from the Rockville clinic do not have the resources to take another day off of work or drive further away to chase down a vaccine that is no longer available to them because people that should not have been at the clinic were vaccinated. Many of these people will just give up now.

Two wrongs does not make a right.