Correction: H1N1 Vaccination Clinics for First Responders

Correction. A small article in the Detroit Free Press on Friday, October 16, 2009 may have implied that H1N1 vaccination clinics for first responders were open to the general public. Washtenaw County Public Health apologizes for any confusion. Please see the news release for corrected information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 16, 2009

Contact: Susan R. Cerniglia, MPH, Public Information Officer, Washtenaw County Public Health

Email: ringlers@ewashtenaw.org

Phone: (734) 544-6759

WASHTENAW COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO VACCINATE FIRST RESPONDERS

YPSILANTI, Mich., Oct. 16, 2009. The Washtenaw County Public Health Department announced three H1N1 vaccination clinics to protect area first responders and non-hospital health care workers who provide direct patient care. Eligible persons include police, fire and emergency services workers as well as health care workers not employed at local hospitals. Area hospitals have received limited allotments of H1N1 vaccine to begin vaccinating their priority staff. Hospital employees should contact the appropriate individuals or departments within their system for information.

These clinics are only open to designated first responders who live or work in Washtenaw County. H1N1 vaccine is free, but eligible workers must show a valid work identification badge. Primarily H1N1 nasal spray (FluMist) will be available. All H1N1 vaccine quantities are very limited, especially the flu shot.

We want to clarify that these vaccination clinics are only for first responders and non-hospital health care workers who provide direct patient contact, said Diana Torres-Burgos, MD, MPH, Medical Director for Washtenaw County Public Health. Our current H1N1 vaccine supply is very limited. As we receive greater quantities, we will offer additional opportunities to receive the H1N1 vaccine, continued Dr. Torres-Burgos.

Plans are in place to provide H1N1 vaccine to area health care providers serving prioritized populations and to offer school-based vaccination clinics throughout Washtenaw County. H1N1 vaccination clinics at schools are slated to begin November 2, 2009, pending sufficient vaccine supplies.

 H1N1 Vaccination Clinics for First Responders and Non-Hospital Health Care Workers:

Dates for additional Public Health vaccination clinics will be scheduled and announced as adequate supplies are received locally. Public Health nurses and health educators are also available to answer H1N1 questions, please call 734-544-6700. Callers who speak languages other than English may request translation.

For future updates or more information about Washtenaw County Public Health and local flu activity, please visit: www.ewashtenaw.org/flu.

For more information about H1N1 activity nationally or about the CDC-identified priority groups, please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

###