H1N1 vaccinations set for those with high risks

The Galveston County Health District announced Tuesday it now has more than 5,000 doses of H1N1, or swine flu, vaccine available for Galveston County residents at high risk of acquiring the illness.

H1N1 vaccinations for high-risk people will be given while supplies last at Mall of the Mainland in Texas City from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Only injectable H1N1 vaccine will be available on these days. During the vaccination event at Mall of the Mainland, the health district’s regular immunization clinics in Dickinson, Texas City and Galveston will be closed.

For information, call 409-938-7221.

The district is beginning its vaccination effort based on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for groups at the highest risk of serious illness or death from H1N1 influenza.

Dr. Mark Guidry, Galveston County health authority, said: “Given the uncertainty of vaccine distribution this season, it’s most important that county residents in any of the high-risk groups get vaccinated first to prevent risk of illness, hospitalization, and other severe consequences. Persons who are not in the high-risk groups may be able to be vaccinated later this year as more vaccine becomes available.”

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

• Pregnant women.

• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months.

• Health care and emergency medical services personnel.

• All people 6 months to 24 years old.

• People 25 to 64 years old 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 widely available later in the fall. Once the priority groups have been immunized, it is likely there will be enough vaccine available for all who wish to receive it.

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On The Web

For a video on proper hand washing, go to www.gchd.org