IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT H1N1

At the present time, only a select group of people are eligible for the H1N1 vaccine.  The H1N1 virus acts differently than the seasonal flu virus and has a bigger impact on young children and pregnant women than it does on the elderly population.  The Butte-Silver Bow Health Department is working closely with area clinics to plan the distribution of the vaccine to the high-risk population.  It is unknown at this time when the vaccine will be available.  You may phone the 24 hour H1N1 hot line at 497-5079 to get the most recent and up-to-date information. 

The Butte-Silver Bow Health Department is following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control.  The following is a list of who the vaccine will be issued to in the initial stages.

            Pregnant women

            Children and young adults 6 months through 24 years of age

            People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

            Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

            People 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for complications of H1N1 because of certain health conditions

The biggest thing that you can do in the mean time is to do the simple things.  Wash your hands, stay home if you are not feeling well, maintain a healthy diet, stay well hydrated and get enough rest.  And, as always, get the seasonal flu vaccine if you don't have any contraindications to the vaccine itself.  The seasonal flu will always be here, so if you can protect yourself from that, you are one step ahead of the game! 

Karen Maloughney, RN

PHEP Coordinator

Butte-Silver Bow Health Department

25 W Front Street

Butte , MT   59701

406 497-5041

• What to Do if You Get Flu-Like Symptoms

Our Community Season Flu Clinic is scheduled at the Civic Center October 21, from 8 am to 7 pm.  It is available to ALL individuals that want to receive it to prevent disease. 

We chose this date, as in previous years, based on information of influenza cases in this area typically occur in February through April.  Seasonal flu vaccine was ordered for delivery the end of September or first part of October.  To have adequare supplies available, flu clinics are scheduled the third week of October.

The cost of the season flu vaccine is $20.00.  A sliding fee scale is available for children 18 and under.  Medicare, Medicaid, and MUST are accepted.