For Immediate Release

 

November 12, 2009 

Galveston County and Cities – The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) announced today they will have 800 doses of H1N1 vaccine available beginning Monday, for Galveston County residents in high risk groups.    

The District’s most recent shipment contained a total of 2400 doses.  1600 doses will be given to children younger than 10 who previously received their first dose at a vaccination event the District sponsored at Mall of the Mainland on October 30^th and 31^st.  Children under 10 years require two doses of the vaccine four weeks apart.   A total of 5450 people were vaccinated during the two day event.   

The remaining 800 doses of H1N1 vaccine will be available for Galveston County high-risk populations, while supplies last, at: 

Galveston County Health District Headquarters

1207 Oak St, La Marque

Monday, November 16^th – Friday, November 20^th or while supplies last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

GCHD is conducting its vaccination effort based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for groups at the highest risk of serious illness or death from H1N1 influenza.  

Groups recommended by the CDC to receive the novel H1N1 influenza include:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people six months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25-64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza disease (lung disease, heart disease, asthma, etc.) 

Individuals who are not in one of these categories should not expect to be vaccinated until the vaccine becomes more widely available.  Once the priority groups have been immunized, it is likely there will be enough vaccine available for all who wish to receive it.   

District officials encourage everyone to stay informed and practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu.  Recommended actions include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing, and frequent hand washing.  If soap and water are not available a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol should be used.  For a video on proper hand washing, see www.gchd.org.  

The Galveston County Health District strives to protect and promote public health for all residents of Galveston County and cities. For more information about Galveston County Health District immunization activities and vaccine supply call (409) 938-7221. 

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  (News Media: For more information contact Kurt Koopmann, GCHD Public Information Officer, 409-938-2211 or kkoopman@gchd.org)