Currently COMCARE’s supply of seasonal flu vaccine is limited because the same manufacturer produces both the regular and H1N1 vaccines.  As a result the production and shipment of vaccine is split between the two vaccine types.  We have been assured by the manufacturer that we will receive the total amount of vaccinates we ordered.  Thanks for being patient while we continue to receive our supply of vaccine.   Receiving your flu shot in the fall anytime through December is recommended and will cover you for the entire flu season.

This year is more confusing than most because of the two types of flu present in the population this fall.  The first type we will discuss is the regular flu also called the seasonal flu.  It frequently causes complications in persons that are older or that have chronic medical conditions.  Very young children are also at risk for complications.  The ideal time for vaccination is the fall from October through December and the vaccine will protect you for up to 6 months.  In general, seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months and older who wants to reduce their chances of getting influenza. It is recommended for certain high risk groups.  These groups include:

Anyone over 50 years of age

• Anyone with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or immunosuppressant disorders.
• Pregnant women.
• Health care workers.
• Persons that live or work with people in a high risk group.

Contact your COMCARE physician if you have any questions about your need for vaccination.   The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 influenza virus. 

H1N1 or swine flu
COMCARE will be coordinating with the local Saline County Health Department to deliver this vaccine to high risk groups in our area.  If you are a COMCARE patient and fall into a high risk category you can arrange with your primary care physician to get this vaccine at our immunization clinic. We expect this vaccine to arrive sometime in October and COMCARE will vaccinate only the high risk groups as outlined by the CDC.  These groups include:

Pregnant women

• Household contacts and caregivers for children young than 6 months of age
• .Healthcare workers
• Anyone 6 months through 24 years of age

If you fall into one of the above categories and need to receive the vaccine please call your primary care physician.  Your doctor will screen you for your risk and also determine the proper time for you to receive the vaccine for best coverage.

This is the most up-to-date information that we can offer about the 2009 flu vaccines