Pregnant Women, HIV Patients Concerned With H1N1 Vaccine

PALM SPRINGS – Dean Lapin has waited weeks for the H1N1 vaccine. And, like others patients at the Desert Aids Project, may have to wait until early December before the CDC will issue the group the vaccine.

“I could try and go with my insurance but there’s a long list of people for that too so … Whatever place I can get it first is where I’ll go,” says Lapin.

A half dozen D.A.P. clients tested positive for the swine flu over the last 3 weeks. None of them severe but it has the group taking precautions to protect their patients at high risk with serious immune problems.

“Because they are prone to other illness they are in a priority class but they haven’t been identified as one of the priority classes as of yet,” says Joy Hamilton, Director of Medical Services for the Desert Aids Project.

While the Desert Aids Project waits for the H1N1 vaccine to arrive, staff members where this N95 mask to protect themselves and other staff members and clients against the flu. Employees must make sure the mask fits properly.

Clients can only get the injectable vaccine. The nasal dose contains a live virus and posses a big risk to them.

Pregnant women should also avoid the nasal vaccine. They’re near the top of the priority list. But JFK hospital’s OBGYN Gary Bernard says some women are hesitant to get vaccinated.

“Hasn’t been well tested, that’s what they’ve heard but basically we’re dealing with a similar vaccine to other years,” says Bernard.

He has had to educate some patients the vaccine is safe for themselves, their children and it’s recommended.

People allergic to eggs shouldn’t get the shot. Also, people who are moderately to severely ill should wait until they are healthy before getting vaccinated.