H1N1 Outbreak Slowing, Vaccinations Still Recommended

11.16.2009 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) The pace of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak in Salt Lake County has slowed over the past three weeks, but health experts warn a third wave of infections could be ahead. That’s why County Mayor Peter Corroon says it’s still important for the public to get vaccinated.

“Although it’s tapering off, we want people to still be vigilant, take the protective measures and also get vaccinated, if they haven’t already done so. We’ve given out about 100,000 vaccines, we’ve got more coming in and we want people to keep on getting vaccinated,” Corroon says.

This week, there are 28,000 vaccine doses available. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department will be taking reservations tomorrow for appointments on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Health officials are expecting to receive 500,000 doses eventually, but don’t know how long this will take.  The vaccine is also available at certain pharmacies and private healthcare providers.

Dr. Dagmar Vitek, medical director for the health department, says the swine flu has actually led to fewer deaths and absences from school than the seasonal flu in previous years. However, she says based on history, pandemics can have three waves, so vaccinating the public is still a top priority.

“Hopefully, we can continue vaccinating people every single week and increase our numbers of people vaccinated, so if we do have a third wave, then we have people covered,” Vitek says.

H1N1 has led to seven deaths and 212 hospitalizations in Salt Lake County since September.  The vaccine is still only available for those who meet certain criteria.  Click here for more information.