Families

ERMC H1N1 Update 4: Vaccine for military arriving

H1N1 flu vaccine arriving for military, most high-risk groups
Vaccine for non-high risk DoD employees, family members pending

HEIDELBERG, Germany – ERMC H1N1 Update 4 addresses the arrival of the initial shipments of H1N1 flu vaccine to clinics in Europe.

H1N1 flu vaccine for uniformed service members is expected to arrive at military treatment facilities in Europe next week.
                                                      
Manufactured by Novartis, the vaccine is FDA-approved for ages 4 years and older.

In addition to uniformed service members, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense has directed the vaccine also be offered to beneficiaries who have a medical condition that places them at a higher risk for influenza-related complications.

Army health clinics will begin vaccinations as soon as they receive supplies. Clinic commanders will coordinate with unit and garrison commanders to schedule vaccinations for uniformed personnel. Announcements will also be made by local AFN affiliates, garrison newspapers and other media.

Non-uniformed beneficiaries will be screened prior to vaccination to verify medical conditions that place them in a higher risk status.

Higher risk medical conditions include:

• Pregnancy
• Chronic pulmonary, including asthma
• Cardiovascular, except for hypertension
• Renal, cognitive, hepatic, cognitive, neurologic/neuromuscular conditions
• Metabolic disorders, including diabetes
• Immunosuppression disorders, including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus

Additional H1N1 vaccine shipments will arrive in Europe in stages. Future vaccine shipments approved for non-uniformed beneficiaries – including DoD employees, contractors and Family members - are expected in the near future. Manufactured by Sanofi-Pasteur, it is also FDA-approved for ages 6 months to 64 years old.

As vaccine availability increases, there will be an adequate supply available for all those wishing to be immunized.

For more information about seasonal and H1N1 influenza visit the following websites:

Europe Regional Medical Command at http://ermc.amedd.army.mil/
USACHPPM-Europe at http://www.chppmeur.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/
European Command at http://www.eucom.mil
DoD Pandemic Influenza Watchboard at http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html