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PR-11/17/2004: Additional Flu Vaccine for At-Risk County Residents

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2004 San Mateo County Health Department Contact: Beverly Thames, (650) 573-3935 HEALTH OFFICER ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE FOR AT-RISK SAN MATEO COUNTY RESIDENTS SAN MATEO, CA - This week, the San Mateo County Health Department will receive 4,200 additional doses of adult influenza vaccine from the California Department of Health Services for at-risk San Mateo County residents. The Health Department has been surveying local physicians and skilled nursing facilities in order to allocate the limited supply. Distribution of the vaccine will begin next week. "The Health Department has been working closely with local physicians and nursing home administrators to ensure that persons in greatest need of protection receive a flu shot," said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. An additional 844,000 doses for California will be available for purchase from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the next few weeks and shipped in allotments through January. Healthcare providers and institutions will order this vaccine through local health departments, which will prioritize available vaccine. "While we're not out of the woods yet as to the flu vaccine shortage, things are certainly improving and are much better than they were one month ago," stated Dr. Morrow. The vaccine shortage was caused when Chiron Corp., one of two influenza vaccine manufacturers that supply influenza vaccine shots to the United States, was unable to fill orders for flu vaccine this year because of manufacturing problems. Aventis Pasteur, the other manufacturer, has been working with CDC and state and local health departments nationwide to ensure that its supply of vaccine is distributed to individuals at highest risk for complications from influenza. Keep in mind, that whether or not you are vaccinated this season, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself. Influenza is most easily spread to others within 3 - 5 feet by coughing and sneezing. It is also possible to become ill by touching a contaminated object and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Everyone is encouraged to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by taking the following steps: Stay home when you are sick to avoid contact with co-workers and friends. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Properly dispose of used tissues. Wash your hands with soap and warm water or a hand sanitizer to help protect yourself from germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting plenty of rest and not smoking. For more information about the flu or flu vaccine visit the Health Department Web site www.smhealth.org/flu or call the San Mateo County Flu Hotline at (650) 573-3927 or the Flu Call Center at (650) 372-8572. ###