After months of waiting the general public of Stanislaus County will have their chance to receive the vaccination shot for the H1N1 influenza virus at two upcoming mass clinics.
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency has scheduled the first clinic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Centenary United Methodist Church at 1911 Toyon Ave., near the corner of Briggsmore and McHenry avenues in Modesto.
The second mass vaccination clinic is set from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Assyrian American Civic Center at 2618 N. Golden State Blvd. in Turlock.
The health services agency expects to hold additional clinics in other areas of the county throughout January, as the supplies last. The dates, times, and locations of those clinics have not been announced.
The H1N1 flue vaccines being made available are all the injectable variety and are meant for any person 6 months or older. Preservative-free vaccine will be available for pregnant woman. The shots are being made available free of charge.
This is the first opportunity that H1N1 vaccinations have been made available to the general public in Stanislaus County since October when the vaccinations were initially shipped out to health care providers across the country.
From the onset, health care providers had to deal with vaccination shortages as manufacturers were plagued with production problems. As a result, only those individuals identified as having a high risk of developing serious complication were given the vaccines.
“Public Health has worked to ensure that the high risk priority groups received vaccine from their medical providers,” said Nancy Fisher, the public health nursing director at the health services agency. “With increased shipments, all community members can now receive vaccine from their health care providers, at our mass vaccination clinics, and other vaccine providers.”
The health services agency has received 17,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine and has ordered an additional 5,000 doses for the upcoming clinics. The health services agency expects to be able to vaccinate all residents who arrive at the first clinic by 6 p.m.
Within the last month the number of H1N1 cases has declined across the country, however, health officials are concerned there could be an increase between January and March, when there is a typical spike in flu illnesses.
The latest reports from the state health department indicate 8,075 people have been hospitalized with the virus in California and 461 people have died. In Stanislaus County, there have been 14 deaths and 190 hospitalizations.
Residents wishing to receive vaccine will need to provide proof of Stanislaus County address at the vaccination clinic. The public should anticipate waiting in line, especially earlier in the day, so wearing warm, weather appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes is recommended. Bringing snacks and water for those who are medically in need is also recommended. Layering warmer, long sleeved shirts over a short sleeve shirt will make it easier for nursing staff to administer the vaccine in the upper arm area.
Clinic attendees can expect a line to form outside the multi-purpose building under a covered breeze-way to provide protection from inclement weather. Each attendee will receive a bar coded wrist band when they arrive. A brief registration process and screening by public health nurses will occur prior to the vaccine being given.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.