Release Date: January 12, 2010
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Metro Health to Host Novel H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinics
Free vaccinations available to the public on January 19 and 20 at the Alamodome
San Antonio’s public health team encourages anyone who has yet to be protected against the novel H1N1 influenza to receive a free vaccination as Metro Health hosts a two-day community clinic. Vaccinations, both injectable and nasal spray, will be available on Tuesday, January 19 and Wednesday, January 20 from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Alamodome, 100 Montana. Free parking is available in Lot A.
The community clinic is taking place as the department prepares for a potential third wave of the novel H1N1 pandemic which began in April 2009. The two-day event will follow National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10 - January 16), an annual observance calling attention to the importance of protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the community against influenza viruses.
“With the increased availability of vaccine, we are now finally receiving sufficient quantities to extend our immunization efforts beyond school-age children to the larger community,” said Dr. Bryan Alsip, assistant director of Metro Health. “Obviously, we would have preferred to have had more vaccine earlier, but there’s still time to be protected before we reach the peak of our normal flu season in late January or February, which may be dominated by the novel H1N1 virus. Although influenza is unpredictable, vaccination is still the single best way to reduce the health impact of flu.”
Individuals attending the clinic are advised to wear shirts or tops that either expose or can be adjusted to expose the upper arm as well as comfortable shoes. Children under the age of 10 who have already received their first dose of the novel H1N1 vaccine and are not expecting to receive the second at school or their health care provider should also bring any record indicating the first immunization.
For more information, click here or call the department’s flu hotline at 207-5779.
