11/20/2009 2:25:00 PM H1N1 vaccine priority groups expands Limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine remain
Staff Report/WGCN
The Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) announced that Coconino County is moving to a wider priority group for the H1N1 (swine) Flu vaccine. As a result, more people will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against H1N1 (swine) Flu at CCHD Clinics and at many healthcare providers throughout the county.
Beginning Dec. 5, the following priority groups will be able to receive the H1N1 (swine) Flu vaccine at health department clinics -
• Pregnant women
• Any person 6 months to 24 years of age
• Any person who cares for children less than 6 months of age
• Healthcare workers
• Adults aged 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions
H1N1 (swine) Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held at the CCHD Flagstaff location, 2625 N. King St. in Flagstaff, as follows -
• Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning Dec. 7. Clinics will continue through year-end (excluding holidays).
Appointments are required and are available by calling the CCHD Flu Information Line at (928) 679-7300, toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. Please bring your insurance card if you are covered. Additional CCHD flu vaccination clinics will be scheduled as vaccine supplies allow. As additional H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine is received, the vaccine will be made available to the general public.
All clinics are based on availability of vaccine and subject to change. Updated clinic schedules will be posted on the CCHD Web site at www.coconino.az.gov/health.
Seasonal flu vaccinations
CCHD has received a limited supply of adult and children's seasonal flu vaccine. Call the CCHD Flu Information Line at (928) 679-7300 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272 and ask your scheduling representative about appointment availability.
Appointments for seasonal flu shots are reserved for high priority risk groups as follows -
• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy during the flu season
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu (health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.)
• People undergoing long-term treatment with immunosuppressant medications (steroids, cancer treatment and others.)
• People treated for inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.)
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
