Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Flu shots to be given Nov. 3; recipients must qualify

There will be little flu vaccine available in Prescott and Nevada County this flu season.

Because of the shortage, caused by a bad lot at the manufacturer's in England, those receiving vaccinations will be on a priority basis  which means the elderly and infirm will be the first to get flu shots.

According to Edie Greenwood, Hometown Health Improvement Administrator, and Jan Dougan, Communicable Disease Resource person for the Nevada County Health Unit (NCHU), the NCHU will receive about 200 doses of the flu vaccine. These shots will be given Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Church of Christ.

Greenwood said those coming for a flu shot can park in either lot, and must enter through the Third Street door. No parking will be allowed on Third Street so people can get into the building easier. The shots will be given from 8 a.m. until the vaccine is gone.

"Everyone will be screened," Greenwood said, "and only the high priority groups will be getting a shot." Those who come for the vaccinations need to bring either their Medicare or Medicaid cards. Otherwise, if they qualify, they will be charged $15.

Greenwood and Dougan said adults only should come for the vaccinations on Nov. 3, as children will be immunized at the NCHU Thursday, Nov. 4, through normal channels. However, children must also meet the proper criteria to receive a flu shot.

Security will be present at the Church of Christ to make sure the health workers can do their job in an orderly fashion. People will enter at the Third Street door, but will exit the facility at a different location to keep traffic flow moving.

Those seeking a flu shot at the church will have to answer questions to make sure they qualify.

In addition, it will be almost fruitless going to the local clinics trying to get a flu shot.

A representative from Dr. Vermont's office said the office has ordered the flu mist, but has not received an invoice on it yet. The office, though, has been informed the mist has been back ordered, but there is no time frame for when, or if, it will arrive.

Dr. Vermont's office had some flu vaccine, but it's already gone.

A spokesman for the Prescott Family Clinic said its on standby for the vaccine, but there's no way of knowing when or if any will arrive. However, the office does have some of the flu mist on hand. The mist is available on a first come, first serve basis.

At the Christus St. Michael Clinic, a spokesman said it isn't known if the clinic will receive any flu vaccine or not, but the office will not be getting any of the flu mist in. People are being asked to check back with the clinic after Nov. 1 to see if it will be getting any of the vaccine.

According to a release from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the agency has activated a hotline and web site so the public can access the latest information on the flu vaccine in the state. The web site explains who is eligible for a flu shot based on the current shortage. It will also list times and locations for each clinic on where the shots will be given.

The phone number is 1-800-651-3493, with the web address being www.healthyarkansas.com/flushots.htm.

The high risk groups, as defined by the ADH include people 65 and older; children age 6-23 months, adults and children two years of age or older with chronic lung or heart disorders, including heart disease and asthma; pregnant women; adults and children two or older with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders or weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS; residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities; children and teens six months to 18 years old who take aspirin daily; and household members and out-of-home caregivers of infants under the age of six months.

The ADH also lists who should not get flu shots this year. Those are: people with severe allergies to chicken eggs; and those who had an onset of Guillain-Barre syndrome during the six weeks after receiving a flu shot. In addition, healthy people age 5-49 are asked not to seek a flu shot this year, of if they do to try and use the flu mist.

The ADH offers tips to help prevent the spread of the flu. First, avoid close contact with sick people. When possible, stay home from work, school or errands when sick, and hands should be washed often using a hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available. For those who smoke, quitting will help improve the chances of getting the flu.

For those who have the flu or are sick, cover the mouth and nose with the hand, sleeve or a tissue each time there is a sneeze or cough. Throw the used tissue away, don't reuse it. Wash hands with soap and hot water, using paper towels to dry the hands with instead of a cloth towel. The used paper towels should be thrown away as well. In the home, make sure surfaces touched often are cleaned frequently with antibacterial soap or spray. This includes items such as phones, remote controls and door knobs.

The best advice for those who are sick, though, is to stay at home.

According to the release, the ADH will continue monitoring the vaccine situation and provide regular updates to the public as information becomes available.