Health Department expands H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine priority group

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) announced Nov. 19 that Coconino County is moving to a wider priority group for the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. As a result, more people will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against H1N1 (swine) flu at CCHD clinics and at many health care providers throughout the county.

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 5, the following priority groups will be able to receive the H1N1 (swine) Flu vaccine at Health Department Clinics:

• Pregnant women

• Any person six months to 24 years of age

• Any person who cares for children less than six months of age

• Health care workers

• Adults aged 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions

H1N1 (swine) flu vaccination clinics will be held at the CCHD Flagstaff location (2625 N. King Street) as follows:

• Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning Monday, Dec. 7. Clinics will continue through year-end (excluding holidays).

Appointments are required and are available by calling the CCHD Flu Information Line at (928) 679-7300, toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. Please bring your insurance card if you are covered.

Additional CCHD flu vaccination clinics will be scheduled as vaccine supplies allow. As additional H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine is received, the vaccine will be made available to the general public.

All clinics are based on availability of vaccine and subject to change. Updated clinic schedules will be posted on the CCHD website at www.coconino.az.gov/health.

In additional to CCHD clinics, many private health care providers have received supplies of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine and are offering vaccinations to those in the high risk category.

Seasonal Flu Vaccinations

CCHD has received a limited supply of adult and children's seasonal flu vaccine. Call the CCHD Flu Information Line at 928-679-7300 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272 and ask your scheduling representative about appointment availability.

Appointments for seasonal flu shots are reserved for high priority risk groups as follow:

• Children aged six months up to their 19th birthday

• Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy during the flu season

• People 50 years of age and older

• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu (health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than six months of age)

• People undergoing long-term treatment with immunosuppressant medications (steroids, cancer treatment and others)

• People treated for inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.)

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you and others from getting sick:

• Wash your hands frequently. This is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.

• Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Don't share eating utensils, cups, and straws.

• Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work and keep sick children home from school.

• Get a flu shot when available.

For updated information regarding the availability of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine call the CCHD Flu Information Line at (928) 679-7300 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272 or visit www.coconino.az.gov/health.

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