The H1N1 flu has been talked about since last spring. As promised by the government the vaccine would be ready by October. One of the first H1N1 flu clinics was held in our region Saturday.
The Buncombe County Health Center had 900 mist and 400 shot doses of the vaccine available. The clinic offered the nasal mist and injections.
The only people who received the vaccine were county residents in the following categories: pregnant women, children 6 months through 4 years, individuals 5 – 24 years of age who are at high risk of complications from flu (such as chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems), and healthy people 49 years and under who care for infants under 6 months of age.
While there was a line before the free clinic opened, health officials were surprised there weren’t more people there on Saturday.
Officials say more vaccine will be shipped weekly to the Buncombe County Health Center. Other area health departments should be getting the vaccine now to give out.
As additional vaccine arrives in the county, some area physicians will receive allotments for their pregnant patients as well as for their patients who are young or who fall into a high risk group. Those who are unable to attend the clinic on Saturday should check with their physician to see if they will receive vaccine.
Buncombe County has established a Flu Vaccine Hotline 828-250-6400, which carries a recorded message to answer basic questions. The line will be updated when additional clinics are scheduled.
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