NEWS: Wake to Temporarily Close H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics

10/12/2009

Wake County is pleased to report that many citizens in the priority groups for the H1N1 Nasal FluMist vaccine have received the vaccine. However, due to citizen interest, the Wake County supply of vaccine is temporarily depleted. As such, Wake County has temporarily closed all H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics, effective at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2009. The County is awaiting additional H1N1 vaccines as they are released from the state. The County will notify the news media when clinics are restocked and reopened.

"We are waiting additional vaccine supply and anticipate receiving vaccine in the near future. We will work as quickly as possible to meet the needs of our citizens," said Wake County Community Health Director Sue Lynn Ledford. "All four vaccination clinics will reopen when supplies become available."

When supply is replenished, clinics will be held Monday through Friday at the following times and locations:

Raleigh
Public Health Center – G35
10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fuquay-Varina
Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway, Fuquay-Varina
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wake Forest
Northern Regional Center
350 East Holding Ave., Wake Forest
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Zebulon
Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

While there has been a temporary depletion of the initial shipment of vaccine, it is anticipated that there will be sufficient supply of vaccine for all who want it as the flu season progresses.

As a reminder, the H1N1 vaccine comes in two forms: nasal mist and injection. The Nasal FluMist vaccine is composed of a weakened live virus and is only recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 years of age. The Nasal FluMist vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, anyone with a long-term health problem or children with asthma.

Priority groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine continue to be as follows:

· Children ages 2 to 24

· Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 2 years of age

· Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel that will be in contact with high-risk groups

More vaccine is expected to arrive this month, including the injectable form. Once both forms of vaccine are available, the groups recommended to receive the vaccine will include:

· Pregnant Women

· Children ages 6 months to 24 years

· Persons ages 25 to 64 with underlying health issues

· Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

· Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months

H1N1 Nasal FluMist and Seasonal FluMist should not be given at the same time. Children under 9 years of age should get two doses of the H1N1 vaccine (either nasal or injectable), one month apart; other children and adults only need one dose.

The H1N1 vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is to be used alongside the seasonal flu vaccine to protect citizens. The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu: fever (above 100 degrees), cough, sore throat, stuffy nose and, in some cases, people have also experienced vomiting, body aches and headaches.

For more information about H1N1 flu and seasonal flu visit www.wakegov.com/flu.

 

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