H1N1 update: Vaccinations have begun, available by appointment

Submitted by Karen Potts

Adams County Health Department

Adams County Health Department (ACHD) reports approximately 600 people have received an H1N1 influenza vaccine since it first became available to the county in mid-October.

Some vaccine was distributed to local clinics and hospitals for health care providers to administer to high risk patients.

Health care workers have been vaccinated.

H1N1 vaccination clinics in Ritzville and Othello have also provided vaccine to members of the public who meet the current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) requirements for eligibility.

At this time, priority groups include health care workers, pregnant women, individuals age 6 months to 64 years with underlying medical conditions and healthy individuals age 6 months to 24 years.

To date, Adams County schools saw the highest number of school absences due to influenza-like illness (ILI) in late September and early October. Clinic and emergency room visits for ILI were also high in October.

ACHD surveillance of ILI reporting indicates a decrease so far during the month of November.

There have been hospitalizations, but no deaths have been reported in the county.

Adams County Health Department still has H1N1 vaccine available and continues to schedule H1N1 vaccinations for priority populations.

Normal services will be suspended from Nov. 16 to 20 while ACHD staff are involved in extended hour H1N1 clinics. Scheduling of additional H1N1 clinics is dependent on public demand, as well as availability of vaccine.

So far, vaccines have been available by appointment only.

An H1N1 Influenza call line has been set up and dedicated to screening for eligibility and making appointments.

The number of the H1N1 Flu-Line is 659-3321 for the Ritzville area or (509) 331-2057 for Othello.

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