The NC Division of Public Health announced Tuesday the expansion of the H1N1 vaccination effort. State Public Health Director Jeffrey Engel, MD, advised health care providers, retail pharmacies and local health departments during a statewide videoconference that the H1N1 vaccine be made available to everyone. Prior to the announcement, the vaccine had been limited to designated high risk groups. Since the outbreak of H1N1 began last April, North Carolina has reported 74 deaths associated with the illness. Helath officials continue to urge people to get both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines, even though the latest Influenza Surveillance Periodic Report (No. 9, 12-9-09) indicates that influenza activity in NC continues to steadily decline from the high levels reported in September. Health officials continue to urge people to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. Information about where to get flu shots is available at: http://www.flu.nc.gov/epi/gcdc.
