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The H1N1 virus is now widespread throughout New Jersey and Somerset Medical Center has noted an increase of cases over the past several weeks. The medical center has been working closely with county and state health officials to coordinate efforts.
Update - 12/3/09 - The CDC has announced a phishing scheme involving the H1N1 vaccine. In this scheme, fraudulent e-mails are being distributed which indicate that the recipient should register with the CDC to obtain the H1N1 vaccination. By clicking on the link, malicious code is installed on the user's computer. There is NO such CDC sponsored vaccine registration process. Some New Jersey county and municipal Health Departments are employing an H1N1 vaccine registration process through their web sites. Any questions regarding these sites should be directed to sponsoring agency. More information
Update - 11/2/09 - No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed in the hospital. Children are at higher risk than adults for the H1N1 virus and could inadvertently pass the virus to our patients and staff. This is particularly critical in the obstetrical unit because pregnant patients and newborns are at greatest risk for health complications from the H1N1 virus. More information
Update - 10/6/09 - A small number of local health departments and health care providers received initial shipments of nasal spray H1N1 flu vaccine today. The H1N1 nasal mist vaccine is only recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant. Due to the limited initial supply, the Department of Health and Senior Services is targeting the nasal mist for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 18 and health care workers. In anticipation of receiving this supply, the State opened a toll-free public information hotline from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The information line number is 1-866-321-9571. Call center operators will be able to provide general information about H1N1, vaccine safety and availability information, symptoms of H1N1 and flu preventive measures. (More Information)
To protect yourself and your family and prevent the spread of the flu, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
Get the seasonal flu vaccine. Somerset Medical Center's Community Health Department will offer flu shots to the community: More information
Get the H1N1 vaccine.
Be sure to wash your hands often. Somerset Medical Center has waterless hand sanitizer stations at each entrance for your convenience.
We ask that physicians only send patients with flu-like symptoms to the medical center if they are seriously ill and may require inpatient care. The medical center does not do flu testing for ambulatory patients.
Please check back for additional updates, and visit the links at the right for more information.
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