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Two More H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics Announced

The Washoe County Health District has scheduled two additional novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinics on Saturday, November 7, 2009 for those in high-risk groups.

Both clinics will take place at the Washoe County Health District (in the Washoe County Administrative Complex), 1001 East Ninth Street, Reno (corner of Wells Avenue and Ninth Street, just south of the Livestock Event Center) in Building B on the first floor.

CHANGES FOR SATURDAY'S CLINICS FOR HIGH-RISK GROUPS

In following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Saturday's clinics are limited to those who are at greater risk of getting the novel H1N1 flu or of developing potentially serious complications if they do become ill with the virus.

In response to community feedback, we are scheduling participants for one of two time blocks as follows:

• Clinic #1 - 8:30 to 11 a.m.

This time is reserved for only healthcare provider office workers (one of the high-risk groups because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients; also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity).

Members of this group are being contacted by the Washoe County Health District and will be provided with special registration instructions.

• Clinic #2 - 10:30 to 4 p.m.

Although anyone in a high-risk group (including healthcare provider office workers who were not able to register for Clinic #1) can register for this clinic, it is targeted primarily to those in the high-risk groups whose school and/or work schedules make it difficult to attend a weekday clinic.

We will continue the use of color-coded wristbands, which will allow people to be vaccinated without having to wait in line for extended periods of time.

However, forms, color-coded wristbands and corresponding times for participants to return to get vaccinated at Saturday's Clinic #2 will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, November 6, 2009 beginning at 7 a.m. (this will allow us to have enough staff available for both clinics on Saturday). We will be prepared to distribute 1,300 wristbands for Saturday's Clinic #2. In an effort to accommodate individual Saturday schedules, we will make every effort to provide a wristband whose color corresponds to a vaccination time that will work for you.

Wristbands and forms will NOT be distributed on Saturday. You MUST pick them up on Friday for Saturday's Clinic #2 and MUST bring them with you for admission to Saturday's Clinic #2.

You do not need to pick up your wristband and paperwork in person as long as you are in a high-risk group. For example, a parent can pick up a wristband and paperwork for a child that they intend to bring back on Saturday to be vaccinated without bringing the child with them on Friday.

Those attending Clinic #2 will be asked to complete and sign a form certifying that they are in a high-risk group. Adults need to bring a photo ID to verify their age.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S CLINICS

It is very important that you return to get vaccinated at your designated time. People who reserve a space and then don't show up take away an opportunity for vaccination from someone else.

Each participant attending a Washoe County Health District clinic is expected to behave appropriately by showing courtesy and respect to others. Altercations of any kind will not be tolerated.

Although we continue to modify our system in an effort to reduce the amount of time participants spend in line, we recommend that you 

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring a portable chair (such as a lawn chair) if you have difficulty standing
• Bring beverages, snacks and things to keep both children and adults occupied while you are waiting to get vaccinated.

NOVEL H1N1 FLU VACCINATION CLINIC FAQS

What forms of vaccine will be provided?

Only novel H1N1 flu vaccinations will be available at these clinics (vaccinations for seasonal flu will not be available). The novel H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in two forms:

• Nasal spray - For only those who are healthy, non-pregnant and between the ages of 24 months through 49 years
• Shot - For anyone age six months of age and older

How much will it cost to get vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu?

There is no cost for either the nasal spray or shot form of novel H1N1 flu vaccine received at the Washoe County Health District (other non-taxpayer-supported/private clinics are allowed to charge an administration fee of up to $21.34 per vaccination). 

Is the novel H1N1 flu vaccine safe?

• The novel H1N1 flu vaccine is made in the same way as vaccine for seasonal flu.
• Tests have shown that the novel H1N1 vaccine is safe and effective in reducing your chances of getting and transmitting the novel H1N1 virus.
• The most common reaction to getting vaccinated is soreness at the site of the shot, for people vaccinated by injection.

How long does it take for the novel H1N1 flu vaccine to become effective?

• It takes the vaccine about 10 to 14 days to become fully effective. That's why it's important to get vaccinated as soon as possible, based on risk groups.

Can I get the flu from being vaccinated?

• You cannot get the flu from getting vaccinated.
• If you were exposed to the novel H1N1 flu virus 24 hours or less prior to getting vaccinated or during the 10 to 14 day period immediately following vaccination, you could still get sick and/or pass along the illness to others.

Who needs to get a second dose of the novel H1N1 flu vaccine?

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children under 10 years of age who are being vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu receive a second dose of vaccine (a "booster") at least 30 days after the first vaccination.
• Boosters can be received at a future Washoe County Health District novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinic or at other locations within the community when vaccine becomes available (see http://flu.nv.gov/H1N1_FluVaccineLocator.htm).

Why should I get vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu?

• Getting vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu is the best way to protect yourself from getting the virus and becoming sick.
• Even if you are not worried about getting sick yourself, you can pass along the virus to others, some of whom could develop potentially life-threatening complications. Getting vaccinated will help you avoid transmitting the virus to others.

If I get vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu, do I also need to be vaccinated against seasonal flu?

• Yes. The novel H1N1 flu and seasonal flu are caused by different viruses, so you need to be vaccinated separately against each to increase your chances of staying well.

When will additional novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinics be scheduled?

Additional clinics will be scheduled for a variety of dates and times and will be announced as shipments of vaccine are received. New Washoe County Health District clinic dates will be posted at www.washoecounty.us/flu and provided to area media outlets as soon as they are confirmed. You can also call 1.866.767.5038, a toll free, bilingual hotline which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers novel H1N1 flu information specific to Washoe County. Finally, information on other novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinic locations and times is available at http://flu.nv.gov/H1N1_FluVaccineLocator.htm.

When will novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinics be available for the general public?

We don't know yet. It will depend on

• Vaccine delivery/availability
• Local demand from those in the high-risk groups
• Direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Where can I get more information?

• 1.866.767.5038 - Toll free, bilingual hotline which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotline staff will have access to novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinic information as Washoe County Health District clinic schedules are finalized.
• www.washoecounty.us/flu. Novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinic information will be posted on this Web site as Washoe County Health District clinic schedules are finalized.
• www.flu.nv.gov. Novel H1N1 flu vaccination clinic information will be posted on this Web site as Washoe County Health District clinic schedules are finalized.
• www.immunizenevada.org
• www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
• http://www.who.int/en/