Wednesday, October 10, 2001
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Wednesday, October 10, 2001 |
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Flu vaccine now available
The Fayette County Health Department will begin giving influenza vaccine Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Again this year there will be delays in receiving the county's full order of the vaccine. "Of the 5,000 doses we have ordered, we currently have only 500," said Cynthia Grant, public health nurse. "Manufacturers and suppliers are following the guidelines put forth by the [Centers for Disease Control] so that all who ordered are assured of receiving at least some vaccine at the beginning of the season," she said. "Our supplier has informed us that follow-up shipments should begin within the next two to three weeks," she added. The county may receive as much as 60 percent of its total order by the end of October, she said Because of the delays, vaccine will be given to those at highest risk first, said Grant. "Last year, the citizens of Fayette County did an excellent job of calling in to ask questions, and waiting until later in the season if they did not fall into a high-risk category. We must call upon you to do the same this year," she said. "It is important that people at high risk of serious complications from flu or those who take care of these high-risk people and can spread infection to them are first to get the available vaccine," she added. You are considered "high-risk" if you: Are 65 or older. Have a chronic medical condition (regardless of your age) such as: asthma or other lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or blood disease. Have immune system problems caused either by disease (e.g. HIV infection or lymphoma) or by medication (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation therapy). Are a woman who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season (November-April). Are a child or teen (6 months to 18 years) who is receiving long-term aspirin therapy. Live or work in a nursing home or other chronic care facility. Are a health care worker in a hospital, emergency, outpatient, or nursing home setting. Are a health care worker who delivers care to high-risk patients in their homes. Influenza vaccine can be given through December. "If, when you call or come in you are told that we are temporarily out of vaccine, please know that other shipments are soon to follow, and that you should call back within a week to see if the next shipment has arrived," said Grant. She said the department will attempt to keep an updated message on its answering machine regarding flu vaccine status. For information phone 770-461-1178, extension 5416.
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