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Local Flu Vaccine News:             Local flu hotline: (360) 678-5111 x6011

The Health Department has completed three H1N1 vaccination clinics on Whidbey and one on Camano for high priority individuals where over 900 inoculations were administered. Naval Hospital Oak Harbor has also held H1N1 vaccine clinics for priority listed beneficiaries. Since early October, 21,400 doses of vaccine have been drop-shipped to various clinics around Island County and to our two hospitals.

Restrictions on the administration of all H1N1 vaccines in Island County were removed on 7 December, and everyone is urged to get their vaccine before the next surge of influenza occurs in our community. See this report for the latest reasons you may wish to consider in making your decision about the vaccine. 

Supplies of vaccine have been directed weekly to our pediatric and family practice clinic activities, and to participating local pharmacies. We have encouraged our residents to call their health care provider's clinic for information regarding if/when they are able to make the H1N1 vaccine available, or for specific instructions for being administered the vaccine. Not all clinics have chosen to participate in the vaccine distribution effort. 

18 activities and sites (besides the health dept) are available for accessing H1N1 vaccine in Island County. Pharmacies began receiving their supplies of vaccine on 18 November. The following clinics and local pharmacies are presently participating in the distribution of H1N1 vaccine:

• Camano Community Clinic
• Freeland Clinic
• Island Women's Health
• Naval Hospital Oak Harbor
• North Whidbey Community Clinic
• Pediatric Associates of Whidbey Island
• South Whidbey Community Clinic
• South Whidbey Pediatrics
• Whidbey Community Physicians (O.H., Freeland & Langley Offices)
• Whidbey General Hospital
  ----------------------------------------------------
• Island Drug - both Oak Harbor and Clinton stores (and La Conner) — vaccines administered during ALL normal store hours, NO appointment necessary
• Linds Freeland Pharmacy**
• Rite Aid - Oak Harbor
• Save-On Pharmacy - Albertson's, Oak Harbor
• Walgreen's Store - Oak Harbor

Meanwhile, exercising non-pharmaceutical measures will reduce the likelihood of your contracting the illness:

• Wash your hands (10 times or more daily)

• Cover your cough (but not with your hand!)

• Stay home if you are ill (protect your friends and co-workers)

• Avoid crowds (reduce your exposure to others who may be ill)

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT H1N1 VACCINE OFFERS NO PROTECTION FROM THE SEASONAL FLU. Everyone is encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine — especially those over age 65, and children under age 5. These folks are particularly susceptible to the ravages of seasonal influenza.

**SEASONAL FLU VACCINE

The health department is offering influenza vaccines to anyone wishing to receive the vaccine. Please call Joyce Collette, PHN at (360) 678-7909 and schedule a time. Cost - $30.00

Vaccine is also available at the Public Health and County Clinics on Camano. Call Janet McWatt, PHN for appointment at 387-0184 (And yes, you can receive both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines at the same time.)

Where else is SEASONAL FLU VACCINE still available?

• Island Drug Pharmacy has seasonal flu vaccine, available daily at all three pharmacy stores. (no appointment required)

• Linds Freeland Pharmacy - please call

• Naval Hospital Oak Harbor ...provides beneficiary's vaccine clinic

• Pediatric Associates Of Whidbey Island (Oak Harbor) - please call

• Reports are that a few store-based pharmacy operations may have supplies of seasonal flu vaccine in neighboring Skagit and Snohomish Counties.

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