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Times, locations changed for Eagle County flu clinics

CVR flu shot KA 10-07-09
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EAGLE, Colorado – Due to the high demand for season flu vaccinations, Eagle County’s Department of Public Health is adjusting clinic times and locations for next week and beyond.

The Oct. 14 clinic will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in one location, the Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle, rather than at the Eagle and Avon Public Health Department locations as previously announced. The adjustment will allow staff to consolidate the current supply and administer the vaccine more efficiently.

Cost of the vaccine is $20 for those 19 and older and $10 for those 18 and younger. Following Friday’s clinic in El Jebel and Wednesday’s clinic in Eagle, additional clinics originally scheduled for the rest of October in Avon, Eagle and El Jebel are temporarily suspended until delivery schedules of both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine are determined. Clinic schedules will be announced week by week.



According to Becky Larson, epidemiologist with the Department of Public Health, over 1,200 seasonal flu vaccinations were administered by the department over the past week. This compares to zero vaccinations administered for seasonal flu at this point last year.

“We realize people are anxious to get themselves and their loved ones vaccinated, and we’re pleased our community recognizes the importance of taking this step to stay healthy,” said Larson. “While it may be concerning to hear of delays in receiving more seasonal flu vaccine, it’s important to remember we typically don’t begin vaccinating for flu until November. A record number of doses are being produced and we’re confident we’ll be able to accommodate anyone who wants to be vaccinated.”

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Also, initial doses of H1N1 vaccine began arriving in the state this week, in the form of nasal flu mist. These initial doses are intended for health care workers with direct patient care responsibilities, to help ensure their availability to care for those who are sick.

The flu mist is not appropriate for pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions or children under 2 years of age. As more shipments arrive in the coming weeks, the Department of Public Health will begin to make the vaccine available for high-priority groups as established by the Centers for Disease Control.

In addition to health care providers with direct patient contact, priority groups include pregnant women; children 6 months through 4 years of age; children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions and those who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months of age. Following these categories, the next priority is for all health care and emergency medical services personnel; all those from 6 months through 24 years of age; and those aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. Larger shipments of the H1N1 vaccine supply are expected to arrive in November and continue throughout the winter. It is anticipated there will be an adequate supply to vaccinate all those who are interested.

The Department Public Health remind sthe community of the importance of preventative steps to avoid spreading the flu, including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and keeping a reasonable distance from those who are ill. Individuals with mild flu-like illness should stay home. Children with a fever should not go to child care or school and adults with a fever should not go to work until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours, without the help of fever-reducing medications.

The symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 flu are similar and may include fever greater than 100°F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting may occur. Individuals with severe symptoms or those at risk for complications from the flu should seek the advice of their health care provider.

Those with questions on the flu can call the CoHELP line at 877-462-2911. The call center is staffed with both English- and Spanish-speaking health professionals from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Additional information can be found on the county’s Web site at http://www.eaglecounty.us/flu.


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