Wednesday, November 1, 2000

Flu shots are now available at the Fayette County Health Department, but the department is asking that high-risk clients be immunized first.

Officials have received a partial shipment of vaccine, which has been delayed due to closure of a manufacturing plant.

"The staff appreciates your interest and your patience during this time," said Health Department nurse Cynthia Grant. "Though we have been assured that there will be enough vaccine available, it will come in the form of several partial shipments expected to continue into December. For this reason, we have been asked by the CDC and District 4 Health Services to immunize those who are at highest risk of experiencing influenza-related complications first."

The department will give flu vaccinations today through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a walk-in basis to those who fall into the following high risk categories:

Persons 65 or older; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions; adults and children aged 6 months and older who have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma; adults and children 6 months and older who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), kidney dysfunction, blood disorders, or immune system problems; children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after influenza infection; women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

Those who can transmit influenza to those at high risk also should be immunized, including:

Those who work in a medical setting, including emergency response workers; employees of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities and assisted living residences who come in contact with patients or residents; persons who provide home care to persons in high-risk groups; household members (including children 6 months and older) of persons in high-risk groups.

"If you do not fit into one of the above high-risk categories, please don't worry," said Grant. "Simply come in during the next week or thereafter for your immunization. We will continue to give flu vaccine as it arrives, and until our total order has been depleted."

Flu season last year in Georgia, according to the Office of Epidemiology, lasted from late December through the first week of February. The number of confirmed flu cases peaked the first week of January.

Vaccination against several types of pneumonia also is available. This is particularly recommended for persons over 65, or anyone with a chronic illness. Boosters are necessary only in a very few cases. The cost for the flu vaccination is $10. Cash, checks or Part B Medicare are accepted (be sure to bring your Medicare card with you).

Medicare HMOs will not cover the cost of this vaccine being delivered by the Health Department, but it will cover the cost if you receive it from your PCP: and you will not be billed for an office visit in most cases. The fee for the Pneumococcal vaccine is also $10, and must be paid by cash or check.

Clients must be 18 or older to receive the vaccination, or must be accompanied by parents.

For information visit www.fayettecountyhealthdepartment.org. Or listen to the department's voice mail message at 770-461-1178, extension 5416.

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