We should expect to see a fairly noticeable campaign from leading appliance manufacturers and the stores that sell major appliances in the coming months. In addition to the government-sponsored rebate program, most people replacing dated appliances with new, more efficient models will actually realize a costs savings in terms of energy usage.

With Energy-Star rated products in particular, there are significant savings possible from the standpoint of water and electric usuage , especially with appliances like washing machines  and refrigerators.

Although the original cash for clunkers program had its problems, it definitely drove sales of automobiles at a time when there would likely have not been near that level of consumer activity. And while the impact of the appliance program is expected to be fairly minimal in comparison to the automobile program, it will definitely have an impact and it will most certainly be a welcome boost to appliance manufacturers and retailers.

The post New Cash for Clunkers Program Targets Household Appliances first appeared on River View Observer.

The H1N1 nasal mist vaccine is only recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant. Due to the limited initial supply, the Department of Health and Senior Services is targeting the nasal mist for healthy children between the ages of 2 and 18 and healthcare workers.

 Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine – both nasal spray and injectable vaccine – will continue throughout this month and into November and December. The injectable H1N1 vaccine is expected to begin arriving in the state over the next few weeks-again in staggered shipments. However, an exact date has not yet been determined by the federal government.

 In anticipation of receiving this limited supply of vaccine, the State has opened a toll-free public information hotline from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday beginning today (October 6). The information line number is 1-866-321-9571. Call center operators will be able to provide general information about H1N1, vaccine safety and availability information, symptoms of H1N1 and flu preventive measures.

 “According to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there will ultimately be enough H1N1 vaccine for everyone who wants to get vaccinated,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “As the federal government has pointed out, it will be a challenging process as the vaccine supply arrives in New Jersey over the next three months. With the opening of this H1N1 call center, we have created an important resource for the general public and health care providers.”

The Commissioner stressed that while H1N1 Influenza vaccination is highly encouraged, it is not mandatory.

 Vaccine shipments will go directly to sites that registered on the state website as “ship to” sites. Shipments will be staggered so only limited amounts of vaccine will be available through the next several weeks.

 Several of the providers who received limited doses of nasal spray vaccine are working on their distribution plans for the vaccine and have asked for time to make preparations before they are publicly identified. Once distribution plans have been finalized, providers will share specific information with their patients and some local health departments will be scheduling vaccination clinics.

Governor Jon S. Corzine has assured that anyone who wants to get an H1N1 flu shot will be able do so regardless of ability to pay. Free vaccinations for the 1.2 million uninsured New Jerseyans will be offered at public health clinics and community health centers in every county throughout the state. For those who are insured, many health care providers will eventually have the vaccine.

 More information on H1N1 influenza and vaccination can be found at www.nj.gov/health/flu/h1n1

The post New Jersey- Limited Initial Shipments of H1N1 Influenza Nasal Spray Arrive in State Today -Public Information Line Open- first appeared on River View Observer.