Montesano, WA - More people can get vaccinated at four upcoming public H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine clinics sponsored by the Grays Harbor County Public Health and Social Services Department. There will not be restrictions for age or priority groups and vaccine will be offered without charge.
The clinics are specifically targeted to people who do not have health insurance and might have difficulty paying an administrative fee or who are not able to see their regular health care provider. The Department especially encourages people with underlying health problems such as heart, lung, immune, or metabolic disorders to be vaccinated.
Many local providers have the vaccine now and are offering it to their patients. They will continue to receive supplies of vaccine for weeks to come. In addition, vaccination clinics will be set up by private vaccinators. At those clinics, an administrative fee will be charged, although the vaccine itself is free.
“We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Joan Brewster, the Public Health Director. “If you do not have insurance or a regular provider, these clinics will assure that you have access. If you can see your regular doctor or wait for another general public clinic, great. There will be many opportunities to get vaccinated soon.”
Health Department clinics are scheduled for the following times and locations.
• Saturday Dec 12, 10 am to 4 pm: South Shore Mall, Aberdeen
• Tuesday Dec 15, 4 to 7 pm: Elma Middle School
• Wednesday, Dec 16, 4 to 7 pm: Ocosta Elementary School, Westport
• Thursday, Dec 17, 4 to 7 pm: Ocean Shores Convention Center
Grays Harbor County
Public Health and Social Services Department
PEARSALL BUILDING
2109 SUMNER AVENUE, ABERDEEN, WA 98520
PHONE: (360) 532-8631 FAX: (360) 533-6272
TDD: (360) 532-8657 FAX: (360) 533-1983
For children age nine and under a second dose is required and the Health Department will provide those through the child’s school, beginning in January. “Please do not ask for second doses at these community clinics,” Brewster said. “All of our second-dose records are connected to the schools, so that would cause some confusion.” However, if a child missed their first dose, they can get it at these clinics, from a provider or at school when the second dose school clinic is scheduled.
Clinic schedules and a broad variety of information on the H1N1 (swine) flu in both English and Spanish is available at www.HealthyGH.org. The website is updated continuously as new information becomes available and new activities are scheduled. For questions that must be addressed by telephone, please call (360) 532-8631 ext. 417.
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