Wave of H1N1 predicted after Christmas

Iowans should prepare for a third wave of H1N1 flu after the holidays, warned Curtis Dickson, director of Linn County Public Health.

“We're on the tail end of the second wave,” Dickson said. “People are getting complacent.”

The first wave of the H1N1 pandemic came in the spring. The second began this fall, and Dickson and others predict the third will hit around Christmas or early January.

On top of H1N1, Iowa's regular flu season typically begins at about the same time as the third wave is expected to strike.

Dickson urged anyone who qualifies to take advantage of the free H1N1 vaccination clinics Tuesday and Thursday at Hawkeye Downs, 4400 Sixth St. SW.

Most of the 2,200 appointments already are filled. But an additional 800 doses of vaccine will be offered during a walk-in clinic 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, for which no appointment is needed.

The groups that qualify for the free vaccine have been expanded to include: pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers, including day care providers, for infants younger than 6 months; health care and emergency medical services personnel; anyone 6 months through 24; anyone 25 through 64 with health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza, such as asthma.

Dickson noted that children 9 and younger should receive a second dose of vaccine at least 28 days after the first. Children who received vaccine during the first clinic should receive their second dose next week, he said. Shots and FluMist vaccine will be available at the clinic.

Dickson said even people who think they have had the flu should get vaccinated to help boost their immune systems.

He hopes that vaccine will eventually be available for other groups, but said that might not happen until February.