Tri-County Health Department Encourages All Residents to Get the H1N1 Vaccine

14 free public clinics scheduled for the next 10 days
Through December 19

Now that national shortages of the H1N1 vaccine have eased, Tri-County Health Department is encouraging everyone to receive an H1N1 vaccination.

Although influenza activity seems to have lessened in Colorado, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overall influenza activity and influenza hospitalization rates are higher than expected for this time of year nationally, and almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be H1N1 influenza viruses.

“There are no longer any vaccine eligibility restrictions in Colorado, so I urge everyone to get an H1N1 vaccination because influenza often increases during colder weather and the holiday season,” states Richard L. Vogt, MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department. “We have enough vaccine to begin vaccinating all residents within our jurisdiction. Of course, it is still very important to vaccinate those at greatest risk.”

According to the CDC, the groups of people at highest risk for H1N1 include:

-Pregnant women
-Parents/caretakers/siblings for children younger than 6 months, including caregivers in infant rooms
-Children/adults 6 months through 24 years of age. Children from 6 months to 9 years of age will receive 2 doses of the vaccine – the second within 3-4 weeks of the first dose.
-Health care personnel with direct patient contact

People 25 through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications including: chronic lung disease (like asthma), heart disease, diabetes, spinal cord or muscle illness that causes problems with breathing or swallowing, HIV, kidney disease, liver disease and/or blood disorders, having any disease or taking any medication affecting the immune system.

As of December 8, Tri-County has administered over 48,000 doses at 46 community clinics held in local schools, and in addition, has shipped 166,082 doses directly to local doctor’s offices and hospitals for their own patients.

H1N1 vaccinations can be obtained at physician’s offices and at Tri-County Health Department clinics. Tri-County’s clinics are intended to vaccinate residents of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Douglas and Elbert Counties, and other local county health departments provide vaccine for their residents.

To find a list of all 14 future Tri-County Health Department community-based clinics, downloadable consent forms and assorted fact sheets, visit their website at www.tchd.org/flu.htm or call 303-220-9200. To find additional free H1N1 clinics statewide, visit http://www.immunizecolorado.com/ or call 1-877-462-2911.