Health department plans more H1N1 clinics in Pueblo

Pueblo County could see more mass vaccination clinics after the new year begins, but for now the health department is moving vaccines through other channels to reach people who did not attend the large clinics.

Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, executive director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department, said that 13,706 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine were given at nine clinics held at schools and the Colorado State Fairgrounds, and at the health department in sessions for health care workers.

Another 18,000 doses were sent out to hospitals and other health care providers. She said that about 2,000 doses were left over from Saturday’s open clinic at Centennial High School and 7,200 more are expected to arrive this week.

Nevin-Woods said as many as 700 doses will go to the Pueblo Community Health

Center, which she said can deliver them very efficiently to low-income clients. Other batches will go to pharmacies and doctors' offices in an effort to reach

seniors who did not attend the department’s mass clinics.

The health department also will give second doses to children 9 years old and younger. To get those, parents should call the health department to schedule an appointment.

When vaccines first were distributed, it was difficult for doctors to get them but Nevin-Woods said that situation has changed and she’s encouraging doctors to call the health department to obtain them.

She said that doctors and pharmacies could provide vaccines for many people who haven’t gotten them yet and that she and her staff are having talks this week to decide if the county needs any more mass clinics.

“We may have a mechanism in house for people who can’t afford the administration fee,” she said, referring to the $18 maximum charge that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allows doctors and pharmacies to assess for paperwork costs. The health department does not charge a fee at its clinics and she said that some doctors are waiving the fee.

Jody Carrillo, director of disease prevention and emergency preparedness for the health department, is contacting pharmacies to find out which are offering vaccinations and to what age groups. She said she should have a list today.

Meanwhile, the H1N1 flu seems to have slowed its spread. Nevin-Woods said that there has been a significant decline in new cases of H1N1 but that opinions are split on whether the virus has peaked permanently or will stage a resurgence in 2010.

State health officials said Tuesday that people should not forget to get their seasonal flu shots.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a reminder that seniors 65 and older and caregivers of that age group are at high risk for seasonal influenza, not H1N1, and should receive a seasonal vaccination.

State health officials have heard from concerned seniors that they feel overlooked this year in not being considered a priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine.

But Margaret Huffman, CDPHE Immunization Outreach and Clinical Services Program manager, said, “Seniors 65 and older are not at high risk for H1N1 influenza because of previous exposure to a similar virus. However, this does not mean they can’t get H1N1 and are encouraged to also receive their H1N1 vaccination.

“Seniors’ priority should be on getting their seasonal flu vaccine as they are and always have been considered high risk for seasonal influenza.” Every year, more than 36,000 persons die from flu in the United States and the majority of those deaths are among seniors.

What Are the Symptoms of H1N1 ?

The symptoms of the H1N1 virus are very similar to the season flu. They include:

• fever
  
• coughing
  
• fatigue
  
• diarrhea and/or vomiting
  
• runny nose
  
• body aches/headaches
  
• sore throat

If you begin to experience these flu symptoms, it is very important to call your doctor. Even better, you and your doctor should develop a course of action in the event you develop flu-like symptoms or are exposed to someone with the H1N1 virus. You probably already have a plan in action already if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy to monitor for signs of illness and infection anyway, but it's important to know in what event your doctor wants you to go into the emergency room.

What Do I Need to Do to Reduce My Risk of the H1N1 Virus?

There are several things you can to do to reduce your risk of being exposed to the H1N1 virus. It is important that other people who you live with or associate with on a daily basis follow these tips to help reduce your exposure. These are very simple tips that don't require much more effort than your oncologist probably already recommends.

• Wash hands with soap and warm water frequently. Don't forget areas under wristwatches or rings.
• If you soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Soap and water is always the first choice, but if you can't wash your hands, at least use a hand sanitizer. These products are usually found in the liquid soap aisles of retailers. They come in small, travel sizes and also on keychains.
• Cough or sneeze into your shoulder or arm and ask that those around you to do the same.
• Avoid people who have flu-like symptoms. If you have come in contact with someone with the flu, alert your doctor. There is no need to panic, but your doctor may want to give provide preventive care, depending on your exposure and its risks.
• Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you have to do so, try to wash hands before and after.
• Consider limiting your time with small children, if possible. Children may be contagious for longer periods of time than adults. They are also exposed more frequently to viruses because of the amount of people they are around every day, and because their personal hygiene standards generally aren't as strict. If you are a parent, teach your children how to properly wash his hands and cough into his shoulders or arms.

What People With Cancer Need to Know About the H1N1 Virus

The novel 2009 H1N1 virus, also referred to as the "swine flu," is a major health concern for most people -- especially people with cancer. Many myths exist about the H1N1 virus, but one thing remains true: it can be serious and fatal in those with compromised immune systems. This includes people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

You should also know that more common strains of seasonal flu can be equally serious in cancer patients who are undergoing these cancer treatments, so taking extra precautions during flu season is highly recommended.