KESQ.com News Services
HEMET - At least 2,000 people are expected at the Riverside County Department of Public Health's first H1N1 swine flu vaccination clinic today, when antivirals will be dispensed to so-called priority groups.
The county canceled a host of seasonal flu vaccination clinics earlier this month because of inadequate supplies. H1N1 clinics have also been delayed as overseas pharmaceutical firms scramble to catch up with demand. However, the county has recently taken delivery of new stocks of antivirals.
"We strongly encourage those in the priority groups to get the H1N1 vaccine," said county Public Health Officer Eric Frykman. "This is a great opportunity for individuals in Riverside County to protect themselves and their families."
The priority groups the county will serve at this afternoon's clinic are:
- A variety of individuals 6 months to 24 years old, with children ages 2 to 12 receiving a nasal spray immunization
- Caregivers of infants
- Pregnant women
- Health aides and emergency medical personnel
- Individuals 25 to 64 with chronic health disorders
People 65 and over are not yet eligible to receive an H1N1 vaccination at a public health clinic because they are considered less at risk, according to health officials. However, individuals may be able to obtain an immunization from their personal physician.
Residents with questions about the swine flu virus and where to go for shots can call the county's 211 information hotline, or visit http://www.rivcoph.org.
Some 1,902 confirmed and probable cases of the H1N1 virus have been reported in Riverside County since April, and 22 people have died from complications, according to county health officials.
Symptoms of H1N1 resemble seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Health officials recommended people take the following precautions to prevent flu transmission:
- Frequent hand-washing
- Covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Properly disposing of used tissues
Anyone with questions or concerns about the flu can contact the California Department of Public Health's Influenza Hotline at (888) 865-0564.
