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H1N1/Swine Flu Information for Tennessee Residents

From the Commissioner

Commissioner Cooper

Getting vaccinated against H1N1 flu at this time is especially important...   More

Vaccine Non-Safety Recalls
and Manufacturer Updates

The Tennessee Department of Health is informing health care providers of nationwide, voluntary recalls of H1N1 flu vaccine as well as vaccine manufacturer updates. Recalls are not related to any safety or effectiveness concerns, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend revaccination for those who have received these types of vaccine.

H1N1 Flu

See the latest information on H1N1 Flu:

H1N1 Flu in the News

WNPT's special "H1N1: What You Need to Know" Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN and State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, MD were featured in a Public Television special, "H1N1: What You Need to Know." View the show on You Tube.

Pandemic Flu Response Plans

The state Pandemic Influenza Response Plan contains the policy framework necessary for a consistent response to pandemic influenza across Tennessee.

Information for the General Public

Percent of Lab Specimens Positive for Flu in Tennessee

  • Percent positive (all specimens): 23.5%
  • Percent of positives identified as H1N1: 100%

collected Oct. 18 - 24, 2009 and updated Oct. 29, 2009

Information for Health Care Professionals and Providers

Laboratory Information for Clinicians

Tennessee Countermeasure Response Network

The Tennessee Countermeasure Response Network (TNCRN) registers and verifies Tennessee licensed medical providers to receive medication, medical supplies and personal protective equipment in the event of a public health emergency in the state.

The TNCRN system automates distribution based on available inventory and need.

Information for Schools

Seasonal and H1N1 Vaccines

H1N1 Vaccine

On July 29, 2009, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—an advisory committee to CDC—recommended that novel H1N1 flu vaccine be made available first to the following five groups: pregnant women, health care workers and emergency medical responders, people caring for infants under 6 months of age, children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years, and people aged 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes). Get more information.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

What You Can Do

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, the Department of Health recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.




Influenza Summary Update

H1N1 Flu Situation Update

Map of Weekly Flu Activity Estimates
(Including Novel H1N1):

See Q&A about the Change in Monitoring H1N1 Activity

CDC/HHS Information on H1N1



Additional Information

Flu Posters/Flyers

Information for the Media

H1N1 Media Roundtable

The Tennessee Department of Health hosted a media roundtable discussion related to the current flu pandemic on July 30, 2009. News executives were invited to join state officials to discuss and develop strategies for providing crucial health information to Tennessee residents through the state’s media outlets. Reporters were welcomed to attend as well.

Participants included Health Chief Medical Officer Veronica Gunn, MD, Education Commissioner Tim Webb, EdD and State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, MD. The Web cast of the discussion is available here.

Availability of Subject Matter Experts

The Tennessee Department of Health has subject matter experts who are available for interviews about the outbreak of the new influenza virus and Tennessee's response to this public health emergency. For more information, contact the Department's Communications Office at (615) 741-3111. 

TV and Radio PSAs

PSAs are available for media's use to help prevent the spread of H1N1.

                        

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
Electronic Updates

For the general public

The Tennessee Department of Health will issue to members of the public regular electronic updates related to pandemic and seasonal flu. To sign up to receive these updates, send an e-mail to TN.Health@TN.gov with “General Flu Update” in the subject line.

For health care providers

The Department also will provide electronic updates with clinical information to health care providers in Tennessee. To receive these updates, send an e-mail to TN.Health@TN.gov with “Medical Flu Update” in the subject line.