Important Update from the Health Department

The demand for seasonal flu vaccinations this flu season is extraordinarily high. The Imperial County Public Health Department hosted the first seasonal flu vaccination clinic this past Saturday at the Imperial Valley Mall. The public really showed an interest in getting a seasonal flu shot this year with over 4,000 individuals vaccinated at Saturday’s clinic. The Department is extremely appreciative of all the partner agencies that participated in the event and assisted with the vaccination event, we could not have done it without all your help.
Flu Information Update
Thursday October 15, 2009
The Imperial County Public Health Department will be hosting two more seasonal flu vaccination clinics this month. Flu shots at these two clinics will be prioritized for high risk individuals. High risk individuals include:
o Children 6 months-18 years of age
o Adults 50 years of age and older
o Pregnant women
o Healthcare workers
o Those with chronic illnesses including asthma and diabetes
o The immunosuppressed
o Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
o Contacts and caregivers of children younger than 5 & adults 50 or older and household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months
• The next seasonal flu vaccination clinics will take place on Saturday, October 17th at the Calexico High School Gym and on Saturday, October 24th at the Brawley Lion’s Center. Both clinics are scheduled to start at 8:00 am.
• The same number of flu shot doses has been allocated for each clinic.
• The cost for the flu shot is $2.00 at seasonal flu vaccination clinics.
• The seasonal flu shot is also available at community clinics, local pharmacies and with some local providers. The seasonal flu shot will not be offered at the Public Health Department on a walk-in basis until after the clinics. Given the high demand this year at scheduled clinics there might be a limited supply available. Flu shots are also available at scheduled senior flu clinics (see attached).
• The H1N1 vaccine in the form of a nasal spray has arrived in limited quantities in Imperial County and is available with local providers. The H1N1 nasal spray is not being offered at the October seasonal flu vaccination clinics and it is not available at the Public Health Department.
• It is expected that H1N1 vaccinations in Imperial County will start in November once the injectable form of the vaccine arrives. The start date will depend on the arrival of the vaccine in the community. H1N1 vaccine clinics will be held in a variety of ways including drive-thru clinics and school based clinics.
• Individuals who have questions about upcoming vaccination clinics can call the Imperial County Flu Information Hotline at (760) 482-4968.