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Info You Can Use: Seasonal Flu and 2009 H1N1 Flu
As you know flu season is upon us. On average, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die each year from seasonal flu-related illness. This year we are faced with not just seasonal flu, but with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Optima Health and our parent company, Sentara Healthcare, are making plans to address this very serious threat.
Read more (.pdf)
Area Hospitals Return to Normal Visiting Policy for Children -- March 8, 2010 (.pdf)
Area Hospitals Maintain Collective Visiting Policy for Children as Precaution Against Spread of Flu -- January 28, 2010 (.pdf)
Southside Area Hospitals Announce Visiting Policy Change -- October 14, 2009
Richmond Area Hospitals Announce Visiting Policy Change -- October 2009 (.pdf)
Free H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics in Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts (.pdf)
Sentara Flu Update*
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Where Can I Get My Seasonal and/or H1N1 Flu Shot?
Optima Health Members (excluding Medicaid members) can get a seasonal and/or H1N1 flu shot at a participating pharmacy for a $0 Copayment. The availability of the flu vaccine varies. Please call the pharmacy directly to confirm availability before going to any of the locations listed below:
Download a list of participating pharmacies
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Pediatric H1N1 Vaccine is Voluntarily Recalled
Tuesday, December 15, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a non safety recall of selected batches of pediatric H1N1 vaccine made by Sanofi Pasteur.
The affected pediatric H1N1 vaccine for children age 6 months to 35-months is being voluntarily recalled because its strength is just below acceptable limits.
Parents are reminded this is not a safety recall and no action is necessary.
Children who received vaccine from these batches do not need to be revaccinated.
Parents are reminded to ensure that their children (6 months through 9 years) follow the recommended guidelines to receive the second dose of H1N1 vaccine spaced at least 28 days from the first dose.
Some of the affected vaccine had been administered prior to the recall at the following Sentara Medical Group Pediatric practices.
Gloucester Pediatrics
5659 Parkway Drive, Suite 230
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: (804) 210-1055
Fax: (804) 210-1059
Atlantic Pediatric Specialists
1080 First Colonial Road, Suite 412
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 395-6500
Fax: (757) 481-1197
Nimmo Pediatrics
2301 General Booth Blvd.
Suite B
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 963-5500
Fax: (757) 963-5501
Pediatrics at Princess Anne
1950 Glen Mitchell Drive, Suite 304
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 507-0255
Fax: (757) 275-9880
Pediatrics at the Beach
1800 Camelot Drive, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 491-7337
Fax: (757) 491-2233
Virginia Beach Pedictric Center
933 First Colonial Road, Suite 112
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 226-7300
Fax: (757) 226-7304
Williamsburg Pediatric, Adolescent and Sports Medicine
4374 New Town Avenue, Ste 202
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: (757) 253-5757
Fax: (757) 510-9063
The VDH Inquiry Center is available at 1-ASK-VDH3 weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm to help answer any questions about this and other H1N1-related matters.
Have questions? View the CDC's Frequently Asked Questions about this recall (.pdf).
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Fraudulent Emails Warning on CDC H1N1 Vaccine
Norfolk, Virginia - December 3, 2009 — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of fraudulent emails (phishing) referencing a CDC sponsored state vaccination program, requiring users to create a personal H1N1 vaccination profile.
The email is a hoax, and the CDC has NOT implemented a state vaccination program requiring registration on www.cdc.gov*.
Optima Health Plan learned of the hoax first hand when staff members reported receiving the emails through their work email accounts.
Replying to the email could result in sharing personal information that may put participants at risk of identity theft or downloading a harmful virus to their computer.
For more information from the CDC about the hoax, go to www.cdc.gov/hoaxes_rumors.html*.
The CDC reminds users to take the following steps to reduce the risk of being a victim of a phishing attack:
- Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
- Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.
- Use caution when entering personal information online.
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What is H1N1 (Swine) Influenza?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
On Sept. 8, 2009 the CDC answered questions on their newly released revised antiviral guidance* for treatment of H1N1 influenza. Most individuals who are infected do not need to be tested or receive antiviral medicines, such as Tamiflu® and Relenza®
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades ha publicado información sobre la gripe porcina en español en su sitio Web.