Fresno County Received H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- Fresno County Public Health received a much needed shipment Thursday; 11,500 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine. It will be administered to those on the high priority list.

David Luchini said, "This shipment also included some of the inactivated injectible vaccine. We've been waiting for that vaccine, especially for pregnant women or those with chronic illness; they couldn't get the live nasal spray vaccine."

RELATED LINK:
Flu Vaccines Information

Meanwhile, Tulare County Public Health officials are anxiously awaiting their next supply of the H1N1 vaccine. It was supposed to arrive this week, but got delayed because the state accidentally deleted their request.

Dr. Karen Haught said, "So, I understand that, but it is frustrating because we know it is the best tool to prevent the illness and we just want to get it here so we can give it."

The need for H1N1 vaccines and the increase in H1N1 cases can be seen throughout the valley. For the first time ever, officials at Sierra View District Hospital have set up this tent outside the emergency department.

Although the hospital has not received any H1N1 vaccine doses, the tent is being used as a waiting room for patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. And this month, that represents nearly 18 percent of all hospital patients. Compared to just three percent in July.

Betty Jones with the Sierra View District Hospital said, "We want to separate those patients having symptoms of H1N1 or seasonal flu from the remainder of people being seen in the ED department."

The health department will focus on four priority groups for the vaccine:

Anyone Six Months to 24 Years Old
Pregnant Women
Anyone 25 to 64 with Chronic Medical Conditions
Caregivers of Infants

Fresno County will begin offering the vaccine at several clinics on Monday, November 2nd. For a list of locations call: 888-993-3003



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