The Newberg Graphic Online

H1N1 vaccines available to the general public

Public health -- State expands eligibility to include everyone, county opens Tuesday clinic

• Published: 12/14/2009 3:48:12 PM
• Last Updated: 12/14/2009 4:05:17 PM

Photo By: Gary AllenFile photo
RN Linda Schilling gives Kindergarten student Hailey Garber a nasal injection at Joan Austin Elementary School.

Want to get vaccinated against H1N1? Now’s your chance – the Oregon Department of Human Services announced Friday that the vaccine is available to the general public beginning today (Monday).
 
Yamhill County Public Health wasn’t far behind, announcing last week that it would expand its vaccination clinics, previously only open to those in several priority groups, who may be more at risk of complications from H1N1 (swine flu).
 
“It is still important for those in the priority groups to be vaccinated, but vaccine providers no longer need to restrict the vaccine to only those groups,” said county health officer Bob Moore.
 
“We have been hearing for some time that people outside the federally-guided target group are very interested in getting vaccinated,” Oregon Public Health director Mel Kohn said. “We’ve received a substantial amount of vaccine, and more is flowing into Oregon at a brisk pace, so it makes sense to open up it up to all.”
 
The vaccines are available at many health care provider offices and most pharmacies throughout the county. Public Health continues to offer clinics, where the vaccine is administered for free. The next such clinic will be Tuesday at the Chehalem Community Center, 502 Second St. Vaccines will be available by appointment 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (call 503-554-7842) and on a walk-in basis from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 
“While the clinic is open to anyone, we are still strongly encouraging people who are at high risk of complications from the flu to be vaccinated,” said Sarah Bates, county preparedness coordinator.
 
High-risk groups include: children and young adults through age 24, pregnant women, and adults with underlying conditions (especially asthma, heart disease and HIV).
 
Although H1N1 cases have dropped off recently, the illness could reappear in waves over the next few months, a DHS press release said.

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