From the County Public Health Department
Everyone in San Juan County wanting to receive the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is now eligible to do so, the Department of Health announced Friday. There are no longer any age group or risk category restrictions. There will be swine flu vaccination clinics around the county between December 15 and December 18.
“We believe that less than half the community has had either the vaccine or swine flu. The ongoing spread of the disease is likely, though at lower levels than we have seen over the past two months,“ said Dr Frank James, County Health Officer. “The vaccinations have proven to be even safer than the routine, seasonal influenza vaccine. People should take advantage of these opportunities to be vaccinated before the holiday season.”
The Health Department will sponsor H1N1 vaccination clinics:
Wednesday, December 16
1 PM to 4 PM
Mullis Senior Center in Friday Harbor
Friday, December 18
11 AM to 3 PM
Orcas Island Senior Center in Eastsound
Friday, December 18
9 AM to Noon
Lopez Island Senior Center
Any San Juan County resident who wishes to receive the H1N1 vaccine, regardless of their health status or age, is welcome to come to a Health Department clinic. The vaccine is free of charge at the Health Department clinics.
Those on Medicare or Medicaid should bring their cards to any clinic.
San Juan Healthcare will also provide seasonal flu immunizations on December 16 at the Mullis Center, for a $30 charge.
Inter Island Medical Center will hold vaccination clinics on December 15 and 17, offering both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines. These vaccinations are by appointment only. Call 378-2141 to make an appointment. The H1N1 vaccine is free of charge, but there is a $20 administration fee. The charge for seasonal flu vaccination is $31.
Tuesday, December 15
10 AM to 3 PM by appointment only
Inter Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor
Thursday, December 17
10 AM to 3 PM by appointment only
Inter Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor
Other County healthcare providers give both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations as part of clinic visits. Call your healthcare provider for more information.
Everyone should continue to practice basic prevention measures to avoid catching and spreading flu, including washing hands, coughing and sneezing into sleeves, staying home when sick and, most importantly, getting vaccinated.
The Health Department nurses are available to answer your questions at 360-378-4474. Additional information is posted at the San Juan County website https://sanjuanco.com/flu/h1n1.aspx
All immunization programs are dependent on vaccine supplies and deliveries, which are expected to be sufficient to support the planned clinics.
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