H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Scheduled For Ferndale and Lynden
Date: November 2, 2009
BELLINGHAM, WA - H1N1 vaccination clinics have been scheduled in Ferndale and Lynden. The Ferndale clinic will take place on November 9 and the Lynden clinic the following day on November 10. Both clinics will be limited to those in 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, two methods are available for setting up an appointment.
Appointments will be split between an on-line scheduling system and a call in system:
• On-line: Appointments can be made on the internet starting at 10:00 AM Thursday November 5. Go to the Whatcom Pandemic Joint Information website at www.em.whatcomcounty.org and click on the link for H1N1 vaccination appointments. Once all on-line appointments are filled the link will be removed from the website.
• By telephone: The H1N1 Vaccination Call Center will be open Thursday November 5 from 1:00 to 4:30 or until all appointments are filled. Call (360) 778-8170 to schedule an appointment during that time. Space is limited and appointments will be accepted until all slots are filled. Call volume will be high so we request all callers to be patient when calling in.
Because vaccine shipments are starting to increase the priority groups for vaccination have been expanded to include all children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age, and those 25 to 64 years of age with high risk medical conditions. The priority groups are:
• Healthcare providers and emergency responders
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, as children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated
• Everyone from 6 months to 24 years of age
• Those 25 to 64 years with high risk medical conditions that place them at high risk for complications from the flu
Both nasal mist and shots will be available at the clinics. Nasal mist will be provided to all who are qualified to receive it and injectable vaccine will be used only for those who cannot receive nasal mist.
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.
Check the health department webpage for general information about H1N1 or questions about vaccine availability at www.whatcomcounty.us/health/h1n1. Please do not call medical provider offices for information on H1N1 vaccine availability or for general information about the flu.
Additional clinics will be announced on the Whatcom Pandemic Joint Information Center website at: www.em.whatcomcounty.org. The public is urged to check this site regularly for updates. The CDC reports that eventually all requests for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be filled.
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.
Joe Bates
Whatcom County
voice: (360) 676-6707 x52510
voice: (360) 220-6654
311 Grand Ave
Bellingahm, Wa 98225
jbates@co.whatcom.wa.us
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