360-867-2502 or
360-239-1520.
More Places to Find H1N1 Vaccine in Thurston County
OLYMPIA - Thurston County, along with other counties in Washington State,
is broadening the use of H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine to include all individuals
over 6 months of age regardless of risk status or age. This means that people
who are at higher risk for complications from the flu, as well as those who
are not, can be vaccinated to better protect themselves from H1N1. In Thurston
County, this change went into effect Wednesday, December 9. Statewide, the
supply of H1N1 vaccine appears to be catching up with demand.
Numerous local health care providers have been offering H1N1 flu vaccine to
their high risk patients over the past several weeks. Starting this week, 20
area pharmacies began offering H1N1 vaccine. Pharmacies are generally open
most days of the week and are located throughout the county, making access to
flu vaccine easier for area residents. Paul Martin, pharmacist and owner of
Martin’s Southgate Drug said “No one is more available than pharmacies.
Partnering with the Health Department makes good fiscal sense and is a prudent
use of resources.”
“Pharmacies are providing a valuable service to our community,” said
Sherri McDonald, Director of Thurston County Public Health & Social
Services. “The people they are serving may not have a health care provider.”
In Thurston County demand for vaccine has been fairly high. With the
expansion of eligibility beyond high risk groups, it may be difficult for
health care providers and pharmacies to give vaccine to everyone who wants it.
The Health Department has received about 30% of the H1N1 vaccine that is
coming to Thurston County, with the rest yet to arrive. The pace of vaccine
arrival is expected to increase over the next several weeks. “With
eligibility broadened and more vaccine arriving, we hope more pharmacies and
health care providers will sign up to provide H1N1 vaccine. Currently, more
than 70 health care practices are participating and we want that number to
increase to include more,” said Sherri McDonald. The number of new cases of
flu-like illness continues to decrease, however public health officials are
concerned that an increase, or ‘third wave’, of H1N1 flu may occur this
winter.
With holiday get-togethers being planned and community gatherings
occurring, the following basic precautions can prevent further spread of flu.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it. Cough into your elbow if a tissue is
not available.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not
available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, if you have a
flu-like illness. Stay home when sick with fever and cough. Avoid holiday
get-togethers when sick.
A list of participating pharmacies, including exact locations and hours,
can be found online at
