Frist Saturday H1N1 Clinic announced

BELLINGHAM, WA—The first Saturday H1N1 vaccination clinic is now scheduled for November 14th in a south Bellingham location. All currently scheduled clinics are by appointment only and will be limited to those in priority groups who live, work, or go to school in Whatcom County. Priority groups include:

•    Pregnant women
•    Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age
•    Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
•    Persons age 6 months to 24 years; and
•    Persons ages 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications

On-line appointments for this clinic, as well as the Ferndale clinic (November 9th) and Lynden clinic (November 10th) can be made starting at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 5th. Go to the Whatcom Pandemic Joint Information website at www.em.whatcomcounty.org and click on the link for H1N1 vaccination appointments.

Appointments can also be made by calling the H1N1 Vaccination Call Center beginning at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 5th at (360) 778-8170. The Call Center will be open that day until 4:30 PM or until all appointments are filled.

Additional clinics will be scheduled as more H1N1 vaccine becomes available. The public can check the pandemic website for regular updates at www.em.whatcomcounty.org. By late November, it is anticipated that there will be enough vaccine for anyone requesting the H1N1 vaccine.

If you have additional questions about H1N1, please check the Health Department website at www.whatcomcounty.us/health/h1n1 where there are resources for schools, early childhood programs, healthcare professionals, families, and employers.

According to the CDC, vaccination is the best method to avoid becoming sick with the flu. Transmission can also be reduced by staying home if one is sick, washing hands thoroughly and often, and covering coughs and sneezes.

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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