Protocol for Distribution of H1N1 Vaccine

Once the H1N1 vaccination becomes available, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa will follow the protocol set forth by the Black Hawk County Public Health Department. It states the following groups of individuals will be vaccinated:

• Associates with direct patient contact, first those caring for high risk patients, then all other patients as supply of vaccine improves.
  
• Pregnant women who are currently Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare patients.
  
• Immediate caregivers and household contacts of Covenant Clinic patients who are 6 months of age or younger.
  
• Covenant Clinic patients who are between the ages of 6 months and 4 years.
  
• Covenant Clinic patients who are 5 to 18 years of age who have chronic diseases requiring regular physician follow-up.

The current recommendation is to vaccinate children between the ages of 6 months and 10 years twice with the H1N1 vaccine. 21 to 28 days should be allowed between the first and second vaccination.

All other groups will only require one dose.

The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is NOT approved for pregnant women.

Additional information will be shared once more vaccine becomes available. At that time we will expand the patient groups that can be vaccinated.