Whatcom County Vaccine Clinic Rescheduled

                    
BELLINGHAM, WA - The Bellingham H1N1 vaccination clinic that was previously scheduled for October 22 has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, October 28. A rural clinic will also be held October 29 in Deming. The clinics will be limited to only those in high priority groups who live, work, or go to school in Whatcom County.
In order to minimize lines and wait times and to help ensure that those at highest risk are served first, Whatcom County will operate a call center to pre-register callers and set up appointments for vaccinations.  The call center will be in operation October 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, and 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The call center will be closed on Sunday.

If you are in one of the following groups, please call (360) 778-8170 to schedule an appointment. Space is limited and appointments will be accepted until slots all are filled.

Appointments will be accepted for those in the following CDC high priority groups:
•    Pregnant women
•    Healthcare providers and emergency responders who directly care for ill individuals
•    Household contacts and childcare providers for infants less than 6 months of age
•    Children ages 6 months through 4 years
•    Children ages 5 years to 18 years with medical conditions (such as: asthma, heart disease, immune disorders, or neurological conditions) that put them at risk for flu complications

Both the nasal mist and shots will be available at the clinics. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the H1N1 vaccine to those attending a clinic. However, if you have insurance please bring your insurance cards as an administrative fee may be billed to your insurance provider.

The call center phone number is for scheduling appointments only.  Check the health department webpage for general information about H1N1 or call the health department with any questions about vaccine availability.

The CDC reports that eventually all requests for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be filled, but due manufacturing delays, some communities may not receive the entire supply requested until late November.     
This information is provided by the Whatcom Pandemic Joint Information Center. For updated information on H1N1 clinic schedules and additional H1N1 resources, visit www.em.whatcomcounty.org or contact pio@em.whatcomcounty.org.

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