We were prompted to look into this by you, our blog readers.
The Centers for Disease Control tells us that as people living with HIV disease we do not appear to be at greater risk than the general population for contracting H1N1 (Swine) flu. That’s reassuring, but nevertheless the CDC has priortized who should get the new vaccine once it’s availble next month. And people living with HIV and AIDS are on the list. We’re fifth on the list, but on the list.
So when one of our readers posted that his doctor didn’t expect to have any H1N1 vaccine available for his HIV+ patients we started checking around. Turns out other doctors with large HIV practices also don’t expect to be allocated any H1N1 vaccine. What’s up with that?
We’re checking. But what about your doctor? Do they expect to have H1N1 vaccine available? Let us know, by posting here. (Your email address will be required, but will not be published, nor shared.)
In the meantime, it’s helpful to read the government’s advice on H1N1 (Swine) flu. Find it here.
After reading this blog, I called my clinician to inquire if she was allocating the H1N1 vaccine for her clients. She assured me that this vaccine would be available to her clinic and all of her clients will be given the vaccine. in NY a forum was held to educate the HIV community and we were informed that it is important for the HIV community to be vaccinated. Most of the HIV Positive community gets there medical care via institutions called DAC’s
(Designated AIDS Centers) mostly hospitals and all DAC’s will be providing the vaccine to their clients. All HIV treating doctors should make this a priority when caring for their clients during this period. I am very pleased to know that NAPWA is addressing this.
I volunteer with an organization that is sponsored through the Health Department and was able to get the vaccination a week ago. It was via needle. I have been positive for 15 years and have has no adverse reactions.
I live in Washington DC. My HIV doctor hasn’t received the H1N1 vaccine yet and has run out of seasonal flu vaccine. Even the drugstores are out of seasonal vaccine!