First shipments of H1N1 flu vaccine arrive in Riverside County
The first shipments of the H1N1 flu vaccine started arriving in Riverside County last week and clinics for those who should receive the vaccine first will begin in the very near future.
Some local medical providers and the county's Department of Public Health received the first allotments of the nasal flu spray. Priority groups for the H1N1 flu vaccine include people ages 6 months to 24 years, health-care workers and emergency responders and those who work with infants.
"We urge residents who fall within the priority groups to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine," said county Health Officer Eric Frykman. "The nasal spray is a great alternative for school-aged children who might not like shots."
The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for people with underlying chronic diseases, pregnant women, and people who are age 49 or older. The county Department of Public Health is working with state and federal health officials to determine when the H1N1 flu shot will be available.
Public health officials will open H1N1 flu vaccine clinics in the near future at the Family Care Centers and local pediatric facilities. Plans are being developed for clinics in schools and child-care centers.
Information about clinics will be posted at http://www.rivcoph.org/h1n1 as it becomes available. Residents also may contact their regular medical providers for information on the H1N1 flu vaccine. The 18,000 vaccinations expected countywide represents the first batch of doses for Riverside County. Subsequent shipments of the H1N1 flu shot and additional nasal spray vaccinations are expected over the next several weeks.
All residents are encouraged to get the seasonal “regular” influenza shot, which is currently widely available. Vaccination for both seasonal and H1N1 flu is encouraged for priority groups. For information about the seasonal flu shot, visit http://www.rivcoph.org/. For updates on H1N1 flu clinics and other H1N1-related information, visit http://www.rivcoph.org/h1n1.