Washoe swine flu high-risk vaccine clinics open to seniors
By: Health Insurance
Submitted: 2009-12-24 16:10:43 | Word Count: 568
H1N1 flu vaccine clinics scheduled Saturday and next week in the Reno area for high-risk groups will be open for the first time to people ages 65 and older who have underlying chronic health conditions, said Judy Davis, spokeswoman for the Washoe County Health District. Clinics are scheduled Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday in Building B of the county's office complex at 1001 E. Ninth St.
The high-risk category of people 25 and older with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, that put them at higher risk of medical complications from influenza was expanded beyond age 64. Other high-risk groups are medical personnel, household members, caregivers and day care providers who are around children younger than 6 months of age, pregnant women and people 6 months through age 24.
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"We have been given permission by the state health division to expand the H1N1 clinics to those who are ages 65 and above who have underlying and ongoing health conditions," Davis said.
The state is following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in opening the clinics to the older population, which has not been as hard-hit by the new virus as younger people without underlying health problems, she said.
"The only people in the state right now that the vaccinations are not open to are those who are ages 25 years and older who are healthy," Davis said. "We are waiting for guidance from the CDC or the state of Nevada Health Division about when we will be able to offer them the vaccine, and we will make that announcement when the information becomes available."
Unlike previous health district clinics, wristbands assigning vaccination times will not be distributed, she said.
Enough H1N1 vaccine is available, so the clinics are not expected to run out, Davis said.
"If it turns out we are starting to get overwhelmed with people, then we will go to the people in line and give them the choice of staying in line or getting a wristband and a time when they can return to get their vaccinations," she said.
Patients will be asked to complete and sign a form indicating that they are in a high-risk group or older than 64 with a chronic health problem. Adults must have photo identification to verify their age.
The Thursday clinic will be the last of the year, Davis said.
Saint Mary's clinic
Saint Mary's Immunization Program will offer H1N1 vaccinations Saturday to individuals ages 2 to 24, pregnant women, health care and emergency medical workers, caregivers of children 6 months of age and younger and those 25 and older with chronic health conditions, the first time Saint Mary's has given vaccine to anyone older than 25 with chronic health conditions.
The clinic will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third floor of the Saint Mary's Center for Health and Fitness, 645 N. Arlington Ave.
The H1N1 vaccine costs $20 but is free to Saint Mary's HealthFirst and Health Choice members who present their insurance cards.
