H1N1 vaccines open to everyone
| Monday, Dec 07 2009 01:52 PM
Last Updated Monday, Dec 07 2009 01:53 PM
If you don't fall into one of the "high risk" groups who have been targeted for H1N1 flu shots so far this year, you may have been wondering when your turn would come for a vaccine.
Roll up your sleeve, Pilgrim. It's time for your shot.
Officials at the Kern County Department of Public Health announced Monday they are changing course and will make the H1N1 swine flu vaccine available to the general public at their free vaccination clinics.
The decision was made after Public Health ended up with more H1N1 vaccine than it was giving out at its free clinics.
"When we started having leftover doses, we knew we had to rev up and find other ways to get the vaccine out there, said Kern County Public Health Officer Claudia Jonah.
People who can't make it to one of the free clinics should call their doctor's office to inquire about getting one there.
Faast Pharmacy in Bakersfield, at 3400 Calloway Drive, Suite 701, is also administering the vaccine - for $15 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
It's asking customers if they are in one of the high-risk groups and if not, suggesting they hold off until vaccine supplies are more plentiful, said pharmacist Lisa Faast.
But Faast isn't acting like the "pharmacy police" and making people prove they're in one of the target groups. It's taking people at their word, Faast said.
It's almost a moot point, though, she added, because most of her customers do fall into one of the groups.
Vaccine recipients must be at least 6 months old and medically able. And health officials say those in high-risk groups should get vaccinated if they haven't yet had the chance.
"Although we are now opening up the criteria, it is still very important for those who are at highest risk to come for a vaccination," Jonah said.
The high-risk target groups include:
* Children and young adults 6 months to 24 years (Children 9 years require two doses at least a month apart)
* Pregnant women
* Caregivers of children 6 months of age and younger
* Adults age 25 to 64 who have underlying health conditions
* Health care workers and emergency medical workers
All clinics are subject to postponement depending on availability of vaccine or weather conditions. For current updates on both clinics and vaccine availability go to www.co.kern.ca.us/health information or call 1-877-81VIRUS.
Upcoming clinics are scheduled at the following locations:
* Today, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Arvin High School cafeteria, 900 Varsity Road, Arvin.
* Today, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Kernville Odd Fellows Hall, Tobias Street, Kernville.
* Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., La Vina Middle School gymnasium, 1331 Browning Road, Delano.
