Flu vaccines available from public health limited
updated: Oct 26, 2009, 3:08 PM

Source: Public Health

The Public Health Department (PHD) has received a very small number of doses of Inactivated Injectable Pandemic H1N1 vaccine (4,400). With the guidance of the California Department of Public Health and the advice of local consultants, the PHD has decided to provide vaccination to all pregnant women and to children & young adults with certain medical conditions.

In the last few weeks, the rate of infection with Pandemic H1N1 Flu in the County has rapidly accelerated. Until all residents of the County can receive vaccination for Pandemic H1N1 Flu, we must be diligent in our efforts to slow down the spread of disease and protect those who are most vulnerable to severe disease, complications and death from infection. Please follow the recommendations on the website: www.sbcfluinfo.org.

Pregnant women are one of the high risk groups for severe disease, complications and death from Pandemic H1N1 Flu. The death rate for pregnant women who are hospitalized for pandemic flu in the USA is over 20%.

Children & young adults (6 months to 24 years of age) with substantial, physically disabling conditions that affect their respiratory and immune systems are also one of the high risk groups. This includes individuals with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, a disease requiring the use of immunosuppressive medications, type 1 diabetes and significant residual lung disease resulting from premature birth.

The pediatricians, obstetricians and health centers who provide prenatal and pediatric care have volunteered to identify, contact and administer the vaccine to eligible patients. The PHD appreciates this action; we need the entire community to participate in the effort to decrease the spread of this disease and to protect high risk residents. Pregnant women and parents of eligible children are encouraged to contact their physician’s office to learn how to obtain the vaccine.

The vaccine distributed to physician offices and clinics contains thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury. Usually, a preservative free vaccine is offered to pregnant women and young children. In this urgent situation, the Governor has lifted the restriction on use of the vaccine with thimerosal. Medical analysis supports the position that the risk of thimerosal is much less than the risk of severe illness and death from Pandemic H1N1 infection in these special groups.

In addition the PHD will offer immunization to all pregnant women in special clinics at our Franklin, Lompoc and Santa Maria sites between October 28 and November 12, 2009. The clinics are open to all pregnant women, regardless of insurance status or obstetrical provider and there is no charge for the vaccine. The PHD has a small amount of preservative free vaccine and vaccine with preservative. Pregnant women who cannot see their own prenatal provider are encouraged to come to one of the sites. The PHD will FAX the woman’s prenatal provider with a record of the vaccination.

PHD Clinics for Pregnant Women for Pandemic H1N1 Vaccination
Lompoc Clinic: Thursday, October 29th, 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. 301 North R Street
Santa Maria Clinic: Wednesday, October 28th, 1:00 to 7:00 P.M. 2115 Centerpointe Parkway
Franklin Clinic (Santa Barbara): Wednesday, October 28th, 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. 1136 E. Montecito St.

Healthy adult healthcare workers are in the high risk group because of their exposure to sick individuals and the importance of maintaining healthcare operations for the public. They have been providing medical care to the public and deserve our gratitude for assuming a risk for the benefit of all of us. Any vaccine that is not used promptly by the targeted groups will be redirected to healthcare workers. Additional vaccine in much larger amounts is expected in early November.

Questions may be directed to the PHD H1N1 Public Hotline at 1-888-722-5863. Additional information is on the PHD website: www.sbcfluinfo.org

Health officials confirmed Monday 4500 swine vaccines available high risk groups county public department

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