Production Delays Limit H1N1 Flu Vaccine Availability

Riverside County has received its first shipment of the H1N1 flu shot but production delays will reduce vaccine availability for the next few weeks.

The county Department of Public Health is ready to provide the vaccine at flu clinics as supplies become available. Priority will go to those who should receive the H1N1 flu shot first, such as pregnant women, people who work or live with children and people age 25 to 64 with serious health conditions. Priority for the nasal spray vaccination continues to be children age 2 to 12.

“Delays in vaccine production are affecting medical providers and public health departments worldwide,” said county Health Officer Eric Frykman. “We expect to have more vaccine available in the next few weeks.”

Residents are encouraged to check first with their regular medical provider to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine. Flu clinics are planned for local schools and childcare centers as additional supplies of H1N1 flu shot and nasal spray vaccine become available.

The H1N1 flu vaccine will be available regionally at some of the county’s family care clinics in. For information on addresses and availability, visit the county’s Department of Public Health page at http://www.rivcoph.org/.

In the meantime, residents can take several steps to protect their health and to slow the spread of illness. People with flu-like symptoms should stay home from work or school to avoid infecting others. Everyone should wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes.

Vaccination campaigns will continue through the flu season to ensure residents have an opportunity to be immunized. County officials encourage all residents to be vaccinated in order to protect their health and their family and coworkers.

Residents also are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot in addition to the H1N1 vaccination. Both vaccinations are encouraged for priority groups. For information about the seasonal flu shot, visit http://www.rivcoph.org/. For updates on H1N1 flu clinics and other H1N1-related information, visit http://www.rivcoph.org/h1n1.