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Fight the Flu-Get Vaccinated
H1N1 vaccine is now widely available in Orange
County. More than 800.000 doses have been shipped to Orange County
providers from the California Department of Public Health to date
and the total number is expected to increase to one million doses in
January 2010.
With H1N1 vaccine supplies adequate to meet
demand, right now is a window of opportunity for more people to get
vaccinated for 2009 H1N1 flu. You and your loved ones are encouraged
to protect yourselves as you enter 2010 by getting vaccinated.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
California Department of Public Health recommend a three-step
approach to fighting the flu:
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Get vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 flu
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Take everyday preventive actions: cover coughs
and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue; wash your hands often;
carry hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are not able
to wash your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and
stay at home if you are sick (avoid traveling with the flu)
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Use antiviral drugs correctly if your doctor
recommends them
Parents are encouraged to seek the second dose of
2009 H1N1 vaccine for their children who are younger than 10 years
old; the recommended interval between the first and second dose is
at least 28 days.
For more information on vaccine availability:
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Check with your medical provider
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Use the online flu vaccine locator at
flu.gov
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Check the Health Care Agency’s website at
ochealthinfo.com
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Call the Health Care Agency’s Health Referral
Line at 1-800-564-8448
Link to
community clinics currently offering 2009 H1N1 influenza
vaccinations to members of the public
Health Care Agency Free 2009 H1N1 Flu
Vaccine Clinic
The Health Care Agency’s 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine clinic is
open to all Orange County residents interested in being
vaccinated who do not have access to H1N1 vaccine through
their medical providers. Reminder, children aged 6 months
through 9 years need two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine at least
28 days apart. Flu vaccinations are free and no appointment
is needed.
Flu clinic schedule
(walk-in, no appointment needed):
Monday through Friday
9:00am-11:45am and 1:00pm-4:30pm
Closed on legal holidays January 18, February 12 and
February 15, 2010
Clinic location:
County of Orange Health Care Agency
1725 W. 17th Street, Room 101J
Santa Ana, CA 92706 -
Map
Parking is free
For information call 1-800-564-8448 Monday through Friday
8:00am-5:00pm
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Schools and Community Clinics
In addition to vaccine availability through
private healthcare providers and the County, numerous school
districts, colleges and community clinics are providing free
vaccinations to students and other target populations. Please check
with organizations near you for availability.
Link to community clinics currently offering H1N1
influenza vaccinations.
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine - Exemption to
State Thimerosal Law Extended Through September 2010
The initial exemption to the
California Mercury Free Vaccine Act (California Health and
Safety Code Section 124172 subdivision (a)) for the H1N1
influenza vaccine that was scheduled to expire on November 30,
2009 has been extended by the California Health and Human
Services Agency in consultation with Governor
Schwarzenegger.
Click to view letter from Dr. Mark Horton, Director of the
California Department of Public Health.
(PDF file)
This exemption allows preservative-containing
monovalent H1N1 influenza vaccine to be administered to children
younger than 3 years old and pregnant women for the period of
October 12, 2009
- September 30, 2010. The exemption was granted to ensure that
pregnant women and young children, who are at high-risk for H1N1
flu complications, can receive protection from H1N1 flu vaccine
when preservative-free vaccine is limited or unavailable.
The exemption covers the
H1N1 vaccine only.
There is no exemption currently for
remaining supplies of
seasonal (trivalent) influenza vaccine.
Additional information on the
California Mercury Free Vaccine Act is available online.
Providers: Please Check your H1N1 Vaccine Orders
Now
As you are aware, vaccine availability in Orange
County has significantly increased during the past few weeks and
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is expected to fill
outstanding CalPanFlu.org
orders for distribution beginning January 2010. CDPH
recommends assessing your current vaccine needs and verifying your CalPanFlu.org
H1N1 vaccine orders for each formulation as soon as
possible. If the balance of your order exceeds your patient needs,
you have an opportunity to adjust your order now to avoid transfer
or return of unwanted vaccine.
Your partnership in the H1N1 vaccination effort remains critical in
promoting the health of our community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our
Immunization Assistance Project at (714) 834-8560.
Resources:
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