South Brunswick to receive H1N1 vaccines

South Brunswick has received approval to participate in the federal and state program that allows towns to administer the H1N1 vaccination to community members.

It is unknown at this time when or how many doses will be received, but when they are received, the priority groups as indicated by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) will take precedence.

The township ordered 6,000 doses of the inactivated vaccine, which is given as a shot, but it is unknown at this time whether or not all will be received, according to township spokesman Ron Schmalz. It is also unknown when the vaccine will be delivered, although Schmalz said it could be within the next few weeks.

"That [vaccine] is taking a while to make its way thorough the distribution system," said Steven J. Papenberg, township health officer.

Age and health priorities are still in place for the inactivated vaccine. The vaccinations will be available to pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months old, health care and emergency medical services personnel, all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, and persons age 25 through 64 years old who have health conditions that may put them at risk due to weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

The township also ordered the live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV), a nasal spray, and may be receiving a limited supply within the next week or so, according to Papenberg.

"We did have an opportunity to order some nasal mists, and we may get a limited supply of that," he said. "As soon as we get something, we'll post it on the website."

Papenberg said the problem with the different types of vaccinations is that people get confused as to which they should and should not take.

"We try to advise them that if there's any doubts on what type of vaccine they should and shouldn't get, they should talk to their private physician," Papenberg said.

Those recommended to take the nasal spray are from 2 to 24 years of age and 25 through 49 years of age if they live or care for infants younger than 6 months of age or if they are health care professionals, according to the CDC. As more doses become available, other healthy 25- to 49-year-olds should be vaccinated.

Women who are pregnant and people who have long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems should not take the nasal spray. Children age 5 and under with asthma should not take the nasal spray, and neither should people with a severe allergy to eggs or any other substance in the vaccine.

The live virus in the spray is weakened, so healthy individuals age 2 through 49 will not catch the virus.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of one dose of the H1N1 vaccine for persons age 10 years and older. Children age 9 years and younger need to receive two doses separated by four weeks.

Preregistration is required in order to receive the vaccine. Once the vaccines are received, electronic registration will be available on the township website and South Brunswick schools website.

As of now, the township plans to administer the vaccine at the New Road Woodlot Park Community Center.

Since the seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza are two different strands of virus, both vaccinations can be taken, although they should be spread out so as not to hinder the effects of either vaccine.

In the meantime, the health department recommends covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue, wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, stay home if you are sick, see your doctor if your illness persists, and get the flu shot if and when it becomes available.

For more information visit the CDC website at cdc.gov.

Contact Jennifer Booton at

jbooton@gmnews.com.