Personal Health
Influenza (flu)
 
H1n1 Influenza (swine flu)  
 
 

Updated:  11/18/09

H1N1 VACCINE AVAILABILITY in Thurston County

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Currently H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is available in very limited supply through local health care providers with HIGH RISK patients. 

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In early December we expect to have enough H1N1 vaccine to begin supporting HIGH RISK community-based clinics.  This means that as many as 15-25 locations, such as area pharmacies, will have vaccine for county residents who have been unable to get immunized through their doctor or clinic.
> The Health Department has received less than 20% of the H1N1 vaccine that is coming to Thurston County, meaning the rest has yet to arrive.  We have been told the pace is expected to increase over the next several weeks so that H1N1 vaccine will be more widely available in December-February.

Federal guidelines are used to determine who is at HIGH RISK for complications from H1N1 Influenza.  To learn more about who is getting vaccine first and why, please visit:  www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/h1n1_vaccine.htm  

 

For information and updates on H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu),  please call the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Public Information Line at:

(360) 709-3080

(Quick Search):

What is H1N1 Influenza?

H1N1 Influenza, also called swine flu, is a new virus.  Because of this people do not have immunity.  A vaccine has been developed for H1N1 flu, and is becoming available nationwide but is currently in limited supply.

H1N1 Influenza is a type of influenza which means it is a respiratory disease that is spread from person-to-person by coming into contact with the germs spread when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.  Symptoms of include fever, cough, and sore throat.  In addition, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.  Fever and cough are key.  Influenza is not like the common cold.  

What can I do to protect my family?

People who are sick should:

  • Stay home from work, childcare, school or public gatherings when you are sick with a fever and cough.  
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.  
  • Cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.  Dispose of tissues in a covered container and wash your hands.
  • Call your health care provider if you or a family member is sick enough to need medical care. 

People should continue to take basic precautions that can help prevent the spread of any type of influenza, These include:

  • Washing your hands often using soap, warm water, and paper towels, use a commercially available hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.  
  • Keeping your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth.  
  • Staying away from people who are sick.  
  • Avoid large crowds.  
  • Do not share snacks, food, drinks or cigarettes with others.

 

The following information has been provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) unless otherwise noted:

For County Residents

RESOURCES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

For Schools/Students, Parents, & Caregivers

For more information about H1N1 Influenza, call the Thurston County Public Health & Social Service Public Information Line for up-to-date information at (360) 709-3080.

For Health Care Providers

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE UPDATES FROM DR. YU

PUBLIC HEALTH BULLETINS

FACT SHEETS/HANDOUTS FOR PROVIDERS

For Child Care Providers

For Employers

For Travelers

Multiple Language Material for H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

 

 
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FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
contact us
  • Thurston County Public Information Line
  • (360) 709-3080
  • ________________________
  • (360) 867-2500
  • or
  • E-Mail

This page last updated: 11/18/09