County Receives Additional H1N1 Vaccines

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) announced it has received a new shipment of H1N1 vaccines. In a press release issued today, the department reported that it now has 5,500 doses in multi-dose vials, 3,800 nasal spray doses, and 700 pediatric doses. The PHD acknowledged, however, that the amount of vaccine received is still insufficient to cover all members in the high-risk categories. The department also noted that only the pediatric doses were free of preservatives.

The vaccines are intended for the following high-risk members of the community:

Pregnant women, in addition to obtaining vaccines from public clinics, can also receive them through their obstetricians. Women attending public clinics will be asked to give their obstetrician’s name.

Children from 6 months to 5 years of age. Proof of age will be required at the clinics.

Parents of infants up to 6 months old may also receive a vaccine through their child’s pediatrician. Proof of infant’s age will be required at the clinics.

Children and young adults from 5 to 24 years with substantial medical complications will be able to receive vaccinations directly from their physicians or specialists.

Hospital workers who have direct contact with sick patients will receive the vaccine through hospital health-care workers.

Health-care workers in primary care settings that have direct contact with sick patients. Emergency service personnel will be asked to show proof of employment.

All vaccines are free of charge. The public clinics will be held at the following locations during the designated times:

Santa Barbara: Earl Warren Showgrounds, Thursday November 5 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Santa Maria: Santa Maria Public Health Clinic, Saturday November 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lompoc: Lompoc Public Health Clinic, Saturday November 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Santa Ynez Valley: Veteran’s Hall, Monday November 9 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Carpinteria: Veteran’s Hall, Saturday November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Since mid-June there have been 37 reported hospitalizations in Santa Barbara County and three deaths related to swine flu. A recent death of a 12-year-old girl with underlying medical conditions is rumored to be connected to the H1N1 virus, but tests have yet to confirm this. The PHD also announced that there have been two additional deaths of out-of-county residents that occurred in Santa Barbara County hospitals (one resident of Orange County and another from Kern County). Deaths of nonresidents are reported in their home counties and not included in Santa Barbara County statistics.

More information can be found at www.sbcfluinfo.org or the PHD’s Public Hotline 1 (888) 722-6358. The department can also be followed on Twitter at SBCPublicHealth.