Small Town News

H1N1 vaccines arrive at Pinal County; first batch allocated to hospitals, health workers

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FLORENCE, AZ - The Pinal County Public Health Services District today announced receipt of the first shipment of H1N1 Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), also known as FluMist(r). The nasal spray vaccine is approved for healthy individuals from 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions. Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 nasal vaccine first are:

Health care workers or emergency medical personnel through 49 years of age

Healthy individuals from 2 through 24 years of age

Healthy individuals who are from 25 through 49 years of age and live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age

This live viral form of.the vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women or for those suffering from chronic medical conditions. It is also not recommended for individuals with compromised immune ' systems.

As a result, Pinal Public Health officials will be distributing the limited number of doses to health care providers who will initially administer the vaccine to health care workers.

Pinal County anticipates receiving multi-dose vials of H1N1 vaccine within the next couple of weeks, however due to the uncertainty of the amount to be received, Public Health officials are not yet announcing vaccination clinics or locations. Upon receipt of the vaccine, Pinal County Public Health will publish its distribution plans on the website (http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/Pages/HlNlFlu. aspx).

Pinal County is also launching an H1N1 Information Hotline with a recorded message featuring the latest H1N1 flu news. For the most recent information on vaccine availability within your area of Pinal County, please call the H1N1 Information Hotline toll free 1-888-840-8795 for English or 1-888-840-8796 for Spanish.

Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on public health issues and other important information. Visit and bookmark www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.

Wellness tips of the week

To reduce that chance of catching the flu this season, Pinal County Public Health recommends frequent hand washing using soap and warm water for 30 seconds. If you do become ill, it is important to stay home to help prevent spreading the illness to others. Sick family members, especiailj£.,children, should remain home until they are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

Working parents should plan in advance for the care and supervision of sick children.

These simple measures can prevent the spread of the flu:

Cough/sneeze into your sleeve or tissue - throw the tissue away after use.

Wash your hands often or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer

Get rest

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Flu virus can live on surfaces for 2 to 8 hours. Wipe surfaces with antiseptic cleaner frequently throughout the day



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