Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)
El Centro, CA October 13- The rush is one to get vaccinated this flu season. Thousands came out to a public clinic in the Imperial Valley recently, with several more clinics to follow.
"We have two viruses circulating in our community," said Ryan Kelley, Imperial County Health Department Emergency Medical Services Manager.
Imperial County Health Officials detected one of the first two Swine Flu cases in the United State in April; now along with seasonal influenza, experts say it's a tougher flu season than most.
"The chance of having an exposure and being sick during the flu season is greater; that can affect our business continuity, and operations across all spectrums of our home and region," said Kelley.
Kelley is seeing thousands of people at Swine Flu clinics throughout the Valley.
"The public is more aware of the current situation from news stories and such, and the H1N1, so they are more motivated to find seasonal vaccines and are awaiting the H1N1 vaccine," said Kelley.
Kelley says there haven't been any H1N1 Swine Flu deaths in Imperial County, but regardless of whether you've had the flu or not, it's very important to get your vaccine.
"It may be that you know someone who has a confirmed exposure, you were in contact with them when they were ill, but the vaccine will give you that added layer of protection, regardless if you have been exposed or not," said Kelley.
Meanwhile, Imperial County continues to educate the public while fighting to keep the community healthy.
"We've dedicated staff time towards planning, community mitigation, risk management; we've started a program to reach out to the community and social organizations, to give them the most current information and mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of the influenza virus," said Kelley.
The Imperial County Health Department will be having several clinics the next few weeks, including Senior Flu Clinics taking place Thursday at Villa De Las Flores Apartments in Calexico, and Friday at the Community Center in Ocotillo. A large public clinic will be held Saturday, October 17th, 8am to noon, at the Calexico High School Gym. On Saturday October 24th, from 8am-noon, the third and last major seasonal flu clinic will be held at the Brawley Lion's Center. The Senior Clinics are scheduled now through November 25th. Seasonal Flu vaccinations are $2.
Doctors say those who are recommendad for the seasonal flu vaccination are as follows. Children 6 months to 18 years old, those 50 and older, all women who will be pregnant during the flu season, healthcare workers, those with chronic illnesses including asthma and diabetes, the immunosuppressed, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, contacts and caregivers of children younger than 5, and household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months.
Officials say the H1N1 vaccine is now expected to arrive the first week in November. H1N1 vaccination clinics will be scheduled once the vaccine arrives at the Health Department. Doctors say th priority for the H1N1 vaccination will be people 25 years old and younger, because they're more susceptible to the virus.
The Imperial County Health Department has set up a 24/7 hotline to answer questions from the public. That number is (760) 482-4968. A public health professional will be on hand to take your calls.
