November 5, 2009

H1N1 vaccine arrives
Clinics begin Nov. 12

     North Central Public Health District has received a shipment of H1N1 vaccine sufficient to allow for public clinics, said Teri Thalhofer, RN, district director, in a Nov. 4 announcement.
     While this shipment contained a larger number of doses than has been received in the past, there is still not enough to vaccinate all residents of health district’s region covering Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties.
     People who do not fall into the priority groups listed below are not eligible for vaccine. Thalhoffer asked others to wait until more vaccine becomes available to allow those who are more vulnerable to the illness to be vaccinated, including:
     • children and young adults, 6 months to 24 years,
     • caretakers of children under six months old,
     • pregnant women,
     • adults aged 24-65 with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk of complications from influenza infection (Chronic health conditions include chronic lung including asthma, heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders, metabolic disorders including diabetes and impaired immune systems including those caused by medications or HIV/AIDS.),
     • healthcare providers and emergency medical services providers,
     • frontline law enforcement and corrections officers.
     Scheduled clinics are free.
     Clinic Schedule (Clinics may close early if vaccine supply is depleted.):
     Maupin: Thursday, Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m., South Wasco County High School cafeteria, 699 Fourth St., about 100 doses.
     The Dalles: Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-noon, The Dalles Middle School commons, 1100 E. 12th St., about 600 doses (clinic may close earlier if vaccine supply is depleted).
     Condon: Monday, Nov. 16, 4-6 p.m., Condon High School multipurpose room, 210 E. Bayard St., about 100 doses.
     Arlington: Monday, Nov. 16, 4-6 p.m., Arlington Grade School cafeteria, 1200 Main St., about 100 doses.
     Moro: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4-6 p.m., Sherman Jr.-Sr. High School cafeteria, 65912 High School Loop Road, about 200 doses.
     Everyday steps people can take to protect their health and the health of others include:
     • 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.
     • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
     • Always stay home from work or school when you’re sick, and limit contact with others to keep them from getting sick.
     • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
     Questions? Call the Oregon State H1N1 Hotline at 1 (800) 978-3040 or visit www.flu.oregon.gov.