H1N1 update

  • Published
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the overall cumulative hospitalization rates for the 2009-2010 influenza season have leveled off in all age groups. Additionally, very few 2009 H1N1-laboratory confirmed hospitalizations were reported by states during the week of Jan. 23.

Virtually all states are reporting sporadic cases. Children, particularly those less than 5 years old, continue to have the highest rates of hospitalization and death. To date, 263 children less than 18-years-old have died of H1N1-confirmed illness, with another 47 assumed but not confirmed. Although it appears that this pandemic has died down, experts expect to see another wave of H1N1 hit the United States later this year.

Vaccine:
There's finally enough vaccines available for all Tricare beneficiaries. Elmendorf active duty can go in on a walk-in basis at both the immunizations clinic and flight medicine daily between 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fort Richardson active duty can go to the Troop Medical Clinic between the hours of 8 a.m.-noon and from 1-2:40 p.m.

There were three outreach venues for all Tricare beneficiaries last week and another is being planned at the Joint Military Mall early next month.

Any further questions or concerns about H1N1 can be addressed at www.CDC.gov or www.pandemicflu/alaska.gov.

Specific questions about H1N1 vaccine at Elmendorf can be directed either to the immunization clinic (580-5812) or flight medicine (551-4006).