| DATELINE: WARWICK, RI… | | | | seasonal influenza, “This virus is continuing to |
| The race is on to find the most effective H1N1 | | | | cause illness here in the U.S. even in the summer |
| (Swine) flu vaccine in time for inoculations this fall. | | | | and continues to affect a generally younger |
| As part of this effort, Omega Medical Research in | | | | population than what we see in terms of the |
| Warwick, Rhode Island has announced that it will | | | | seasonal influenza.” |
| be conducting several investigational HIN1 Flu | | | | Schuchat continued, “We do expect there to |
| vaccine studies starting in August to assist in the | | | | be an increase in influenza that occurs this fall, |
| development of a safe and effective vaccine. | | | | perhaps earlier than what we see with seasonal |
| On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization | | | | influenza. In particular, we think there may be |
| (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level | | | | challenges when people return to schools and our |
| to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing spread of | | | | communities get back into the sort of the regular |
| the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus commonly | | | | times with lots of kids congregated together.” |
| known as Swine Flu. WHO stated, “The 2009 | | | | This spring several Rhode Island schools closed |
| influenza pandemic has spread internationally with | | | | temporarily due to H1N1 (Swine) flu concerns |
| unprecedented speed. In past pandemics, influenza | | | | including the Greystone Elementary School in |
| viruses have needed more than six months to | | | | North Providence, North Kingstown High School, |
| spread as widely as the new H1N1 virus has | | | | and the Pier Middle School in Narragansett. In |
| spread in less than six weeks.” | | | | Southeastern Massachusetts the Assawompsett |
| David L. Fried, MD, the medical director for | | | | Elementary School in Lakeville and the Mary |
| Omega Medical Research, and the Principal | | | | Fonseca Elementary School in Fall River both |
| Investigator on investigational HIN1 Flu vaccine | | | | closed temporarily this spring due to H1N1 (Swine) |
| studies to be conducted at the center, stressed | | | | flu outbreaks. To date, 2 H1N1 (Swine) flu deaths |
| the urgency of this undertaking, “At this time, | | | | have been confirmed in Rhode Island and 6 |
| the best preventative measure to avoid H1N1 is | | | | deaths in Massachusetts. |
| to receive vaccination and immunization. Omega | | | | Residents of Rhode Island and Southeastern |
| Medical Research is conducting one of the few | | | | Massachusetts who would like to participate in |
| studies in the country that provides the initial | | | | Omega Medical Research’s investigational HIN1 |
| vaccine to volunteers who participate in this | | | | Flu vaccine studies should contact Patty Feole, RN |
| important study.” | | | | at 401-739-3573 as soon as possible. Volunteers |
| Recent comments from Dr. Anne Schuchat, | | | | are needed in four age groups: 6 to 35 months; 2 |
| director of the National Center for Immunization | | | | years to 17 years; 18 years to 64 years; and 65 |
| and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC (Centers | | | | years and older. Study participants will receive |
| for Disease Control and Prevention) indicate that | | | | compensation for their time and travel to Omega |
| the virus is not going away and that the 2009 | | | | Medical Research, which is conveniently located |
| H1N1 virus patterns are quite different from | | | | near Routes 295 and 95 in Warwick, Rhode Island. |