The Arkansas Department of Health says 18 people have died from complications of H1N1 (swine) flu since Aug. 1.
Additional vaccine supplies for protection against H1N1 flu are arriving in the state, the agency said, and more is on the way. People in all of the higher risk groups can begin to check with their providers to get protection from the H1N1 flu
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says certain people at higher risk should receive vaccine first:
● pregnant women,
● persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers),
● health-care and emergency medical services personnel,
● persons aged 6 months--24 years, and
● persons aged 25--64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
Dr. James Phillips, director of the infectious disease branch at the Health Department, said plans for a second round of mass vaccination clinics to offer free H1N1 vaccine are being made, and a complete listing of clinics that have been scheduled is posted at www.healthyarkansas.com .
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