County procures more flu shots for at-risk population

Heather Rawlyk

Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 | 10:57 a.m.

After running out earlier this week, the Clark County Health District has secured a limited supply of flu vaccines for people at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu, the district announced Thursday.

Three hundred doses will be offered on Monday at the Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane. The vaccine will be available by appointment from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., spokesman Dave Tonelli said.

The Health District will give shots to high-risk persons including healthy children ages 6 to 23 months, adults age 65 years or older, pregnant women in their second or third trimester and children 2 and older with underlying chronic conditions.

The vaccine will also be given to children requiring a second dose.

Tonelli said the Health District is receiving small amounts of the vaccine from various sources.

"All of our people in the Immunizations Department have been on the phone, talking to distributors, local agencies and the state, trying to coordinate and get additional vaccines," he said. "Of course, once more vaccine is secured, we will have more appointments available and announce them."

Tonelli said he was not sure how long the 300 doses would last.

"It's very difficult to forecast," he said. "It's a very rapidly changing situation. If we get 30 people a day, the supply can last for 10 days. In the beginning of last week we gave 1,800 shots in two days, though."

The Health District has received reports of seven culture-confirmed cases of influenza, 53 cases confirmed through rapid tests and no reported deaths.

Tonelli said respiratory etiquette is important.

"General rules apply," he said. "Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, always wash your hands, and stay at home from work or school if you are sick."

The health district recommends that people keep their hands away from their nose, eyes and mouth because viruses are most likely to enter through those areas.

For more information or to make an appointment for Monday, call 383-1351, 383-1352 or 383-1494.