H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccination Clinics for High Risk Groups

An H1N1 flu vaccination clinic is being held today, Thursday, October 22, 2009 at Washoe County Health District in Reno. The location is 1001 E. Ninth Street, Building B, 1st floor. (corner of Wells Ave. and Ninth St., just south of the Livestock Event Center). Vaccinations will be given from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis (appointments will not be scheduled) This clinic is only for high risk groups as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.
• Pregnant women.
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age.
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age.
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions (for example, asthma or diabetes) associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Those attending the H1N1 flu vaccination clinic will need to complete and sign a form certifying that they are in a high risk group. Adults need to bring a photo ID verifying their age.

Two additional clinics for high risk groups are scheduled at the same Washoe County Health District location.

• Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

H1N1 (swine) flu is a serious public heath concern in Washoe County. With children back in school and the yearly flu season upon us, public health officials are working to keep people informed, encourage everyone to get seasonal flu shots, and keep the threat of a wide-spread H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak in check. As of October 17, 2009, the total number of confirmed and probable swine flu cases in Washoe County was 1004, a number that has been increasing every month. Back on June 6, the number was only 103. The largest number of cases by far are among the 5 to 18 age group, just the ones who are in school and tend to be in contact with large numbers of potentially sick people. The next highest number of cases are among the 19 to 24 and 25 to 49 age groups.

To date, two confirmed H1N1 related deaths have occurred in Washoe County. Both were in the 25 to 49 age group and involved people who passed away due to flu causing complications of an existing health condition.

Source: Washoe County Health District.

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