Pandemic Influenza and Hawaii Response
The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. The novel H1N1 flu is contagious and spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected persons. The virus has spread rapidly throughout the world, and on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 (Swine) flu is underway.
The first wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic arrived in Hawaii at the end of April 2009 and continued through the summer. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe. To mitigate the impact of a second wave of the current 2009 H1N1 pandemic in the fall, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone get the new H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. Vaccine supplies are expected to arrive beginning in October, with early distribution to healthcare workers, emergency medical service personnel and first responders. Also, in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, high risk groups that may be more vulnerable to serious complications from the H1N1 flu will be given priority. Everyone who would like to be vaccinated will be able to do so as more H1N1 vaccine supplies are received. Vaccination is voluntary.
