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Health officials: High-risk persons should get on flu shot waiting list

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@thecitizennews.com

Local residents in one of the high-risk categories of contracting the flu virus are urged to call the Fayette County Health Department and get on its waiting list for the flu vaccine.

In a special clinic last Saturday, more than 300 residents were given the flu vaccine, said County Nurse Manager Cynthia Grant.

Another clinic is set for Tuesday, Nov. 30, but the vaccine will be distributed by appointment only, Grant said.

Health Department staffers have begun notifying persons on the waiting list for the Nov. 30 vaccination, which will cover “at least 400 people,” Grant added.

Saturday’s clinic went smoothly with short waiting times, officials noted.

The health department will continue to distribute the vaccine until all high-risk persons have been immunized or until the vaccine runs out, officials said.

More vaccine could come in varying amounts between now and the first week of January, officials said.

If more vaccine arrives, the public will be notified through local newspapers, the health department’s phone message and the health department’s Web site, www.fayettecountyhealthdepartment.org. Also, a sign will be posted on the health department’s door, officials said.

To get on the waiting list, call 770-461-1178, extension 5416. Callers must leave their name, phone number and what high-risk category they are in.

The high risk categories established by the Centers for Disease Control are:

• Children ages 6 months to 23 months.

• Adults ages 65 and over.

• People older than 2 who have an underlying, long-term illness such as heart disease, lung disease, metabolic disease (like diabetes), kidney disease, a blood disorder or a weakened immune system, including persons with HIV/AIDS.

• Women who will be pregnant during the flu season.

• People between 6 months and 18 years old who take aspirin daily.

•People who have or take care of a baby under 6 months old.

Anyone who is not in a high-risk flu category is asked to check with their physician about taking the Flu Mist vaccine if they are between ages 5 and 49 and in good general health.

Callers are also advised to take the pneumonia vaccine if they haven’t had it previously or if they are under 65 and it has been at least five years since their last pneumonia vaccine, or if it is recommended by their physician. Pneumonia is one of the most deadly complications of the flu, officials said.

Those who don’t receive the flu vaccine this year are encouraged to use good hand-washing habits, eat a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and avoid ill persons and crowds when possible to avoid getting the flu.

Already, residents in Fayette’s nursing homes and participants in the senior day program have been vaccinated. A second round of vaccines have been distributed to those who are “highly immune-compromised,” such as patients in hospital settings, chemotherapy patients and staff, and dialysis patients and staff, health department officials said.