County receives first allotment of H1N1 vaccine

RBC I Rio Blanco County received its full allotment of the H1N1 vaccine with its first shipment.
However, the second shipment was expected to be about three-quarters of the county’s allotment.
“We don’t have it yet,” Kim Long, county public health director said as of Friday. “But that’s what we’re anticipating.”
Asked when she expected the second shipment to arrive, Long said, “Yesterday.”
The second shipment was initially due to arrive late last week, but was now expected to be received the first of this week.
With the second shipment, “We’re allotted to get some nasal (spray vaccine) and some injectable,” Long said. “We have not received any injectable vaccine at this point. The first shipment was 100 percent nasal flu mist.”
State health officials reported last week the amount of H1N1 vaccine received, 50,000 doses, was well below the 183,300 doses that were expected.
Even with the less-than-expected doses, walk-in flu clinics have been scheduled for Meeker and Rangely. No appointment is necessary, Long said.
There is some seasonal flu vaccine still available as well.
“We still have seasonal flu (vaccine) available for 4 years old and up,” Long said. “We’re out of (the vaccine) for 6 months to 4 years old, and we don’t expect to get any more in.”
Like other areas, Rio Blanco County has been hit hard by the flu.
“Across the country, we’re seeing higher levels (of the flu), and a lot of it is H1N1. We have a lot of other viral stuff going around, too.”
Long continued to emphasize the standard precautionary measures: Wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, get plenty of rest, and stay home if showing flu-like symptoms.
For more information about the H1N1 vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: www.cdc.gove/h1n1flu/vaccination.
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The H1N1 vaccine is now available for the following target groups:
• Pregnant women.
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.
• Healthcare personnel with direct patient care contact.
• Children 6 months through 4 years of age.
• Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.
Walk-in flu clinics will be offered for the above groups at the Rio Blanco County Department of Public Health.
Meeker: (345 Market Street) Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Rangely: (209 E. Main Street) today, Oct. 22, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact the health department with questions at 878-9525 (Rangely) or 878-9520 (Meeker).