news-record.com

The state Division of Public Health may have a head start in preparing for a possible fall swine flu outbreak, but a host of pesky details could end up causing cold chills.

The good news is that state officials, buoyed by a $5.7 million federal grant, say they'll have enough vaccine for every North Carolinian by the time traditional flu season arrives.

However, this year it won't be business as usual. Two injections at different times will be required. And unlike most strains that have disproportionately targeted the elderly, H1NI is expected to have a greater impact on ages 5 to 24.

That means partnering with day cares, schools, even colleges, which could raise questions about logistics, parental consent and residency. For example, will out-of-towners attending colleges here qualify for inoculations locally?

Also, what role will county health departments play? And will medical practices, clinics, groceries and pharmacies still be allotted dosages and when?

The vaccines should be ready by Oct. 15. But one state public health official is predicting a second H1N1 wave in September on the heels of the late-spring outbreak, which continues.

In the past, only 20 percent of regular flu vaccine has been produced domestically. Unless that changes, there could be delays in receiving rush H1N1 shipments from foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers.

While there have been only 395 confirmed cases statewide as of July 15, it may be just the tip of the iceberg. The Division of Public Health has ceased testing specifically for H1N1 and many people with symptoms haven't sought treatment.

Even though fears of a pandemic have eased, state officials wisely are preparing for the worst. Mutating strains could linger for more than one season and pose an ongoing public risk.