H1N1 Influenza Vaccinations
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What is Novel H1N1 Influenza A?
- PODCAST: H1N1 Flu and You with Director of Health Dr. Fernando A. Guerra WMA MP3
- PODCAST: H1N1 Flu Vaccine with Asst. Dir. of Health Dr. Bryan Alsip WMA MP3
- Latest Information on the H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) Investigation (CDC) (PDF)
- Guidance for Diabetics - November 6, 2009 (PDF)
H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. It spread throughout the nation and across the globe and was declared a worldwide pandemic last year.
H1N1 continues to spread from person-to-person and the CDC estimates 59 million Americans have been infected with the virus since its outbreak. Although the vast majority of illness has been mild, hundreds of thousands have required hospitalization and the CDC estimates 12,000 deaths have occurred here in the U.S.
Vaccine for Novel H1N1 Influenza A
The federal government has provided health departments and providers throughout the country a vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 influenza. Protection is particularly important for pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses who face higher risk for hospitalization and death.
Metro Health is offering the vaccination at no cost to all age groups (above 6 months) and encourages everyone who is able to get vaccinated.
Local pharmacies and certain health care providers also have vaccine available. Locate a pharmacy near you by clicking on the Flu Locator button at the top of this page.
For the latest CDC information available on the H1N1 influenza vaccine, click here.
Tracking of Novel H1N1 Influenza A
Metro Health continues to work with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor this novel virus. Recommendations and guidance are periodically updated. So, it is important that you stay informed. We all must work together to protect our community by doing what we can to prevent and reduce the spread of H1N1.
General Information
Prevention
The following preventive measures are urged to reduce the likelihood of illness and the spread of disease:
- Get an H1N1 flu vaccination
- Stay home when you're sick
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue (throw away immediately) or sneeze into the inside of your elbow
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (germs on your hands enter your body this way)
- Avoid close contact with sick people
Latest News Releases:
- San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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How do germs spread?
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