State is dealing with H1N1 vaccine shortage

By Dr. Mel Kohn

The Regal Courier, Nov 25, 2009, Updated Nov 25, 2009

Oregon Public Health has activated our H1N1 emergency opera-tions center fulltime, which coordinates Oregon's response to the flu.

H1N1 is not more severe than regular seasonal flu, but it is a new strain of influenza so more people will get sick

This could have serious implications for our local communities and businesses as they struggle to operate with absent employees.

And while complications from the flu are rare, demand on our health care system is increasing.

Recently the news came out that vaccine for H1N1 was going to arrive in Oregon more slowly than expected.

Flu vaccine manufacturers are producing less than anticipated - this is a national issue. But even without early and large supplies of H1N1 vaccine, we will get through this flu season.

Oregon Public Health's emergency operations center is carefully monitoring hospital capacity and medical supplies, and we stand ready to deploy supplies to hardest-hit areas.

State health officials are working closely with local public health departments, including Washington County, to monitor the flu in their communities and send whatever resources they may need.

We are also maintaining a statewide hotline and Web site to help people get the information they need to protect themselves and their fami-lies.

The H1N1 vaccine is trickling into the state.

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