Most People Can Now Get H1N1 Vaccine
Spokane Regional
Health District Expands Availability of H1N1 Vaccine Beyond Priority Groups Starting Monday
Beginning Monday, December 14, everybody
six months of age and older wishing
to receive the H1N1 vaccine will be eligible. The Spokane Regional Health District notified
health care providers this week of its decision to expand availability to the
general public.
For the
past two months, the Health District has followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and offered the vaccine
to priority groups. "We have reached a point where we believe those in priority
groups have had a sufficient opportunity to get the H1N1 vaccine," said Dr. Joel
McCullough, Health Officer for the Spokane Regional Health District. "We will continue to assure that those at
highest risk for complications from H1N1 influenza have opportunities for
vaccination," McCullough added.
"It is
important for everyone to get vaccinated. We may have another wave of H1N1 hit
Spokane in 2010 and we should prepare for that," said Dr. McCullough. According to the CDC, swine flu has killed at least
three times more children than a usual flu season.
The Health District
anticipates a high demand for the vaccine once it is made available to the
general public. Initially, we do not
expect to have a sufficient supply. Eventually, we believe there will be enough
H1N1 vaccine for everyone who wants it.
The H1N1
vaccine is currently available at local doctor's offices in both the nasal mist
and shot form. Many pharmacies now
have the vaccine. Policies vary by
pharmacy, especially when it comes to vaccinating children. Pharmacies are
permitted to charge a small fee.
No additional public
clinics are planned at this time.
Those
who are uninsured can get the vaccine free of charge at the following sites:
- SRHD Public
Health Clinic – anyone 6-months of age and older, by appointment
- Safeway
pharmacies – over 8 years of age for the flu shot; 5 years of age and older for the nasal
spray
- US Health Works
Urgent Care – anyone 6-months of age and older, walk-in for Valley and South Hill locations; 4 years of age or older at the North side location
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