Riverside County Begins Swine Flu Vaccinations

PALM SPRINGS- Free H1N1 vaccinations are now available to children in Palm Springs!

Riverside County sent out 7,000 doses to health clinics, butdue to limited supplies, only children 2 to 12 are getting them for now.

“Wedo anticipate getting a supply for people in other age groups within probably the next 2 weeks,” said Debra Santibanez with the Riverside County Department of Health.

That also includes getting the injectible vaccine, which will have to be used by pregnant women, people over the age of 49, or with underlying health conditions.

Health officials say both methods are equally effective, and there’s no reason to hold off getting the vaccine.

“The sooner you get the vaccine, the faster your immune system will protect you from getting the virus,” said Santibanez.

San Bernardino County is also in the process of sending out doses, andthe vaccine is expected to arrive at a clinic in Joshua Tree, next week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the risks of not getting the vaccine, far outweigh any risks of getting the shot or spray.

“‘Get the liquid in them,’is the motto we’re going by right now,” said Santibanez.

The health department says more doses of the vaccine are on the way.

For now, they’re using a courier systemto make sure there’s an adequate supply where demand is the greatest.

Palm Springs residents can now access the latest information on Swine Flu by visiting the city web site. Just click on Government where you will find a link on the left hand side called H1N1 Swine Flu Information.

“The number to call is: (888)246-1215.

A full list of county-run pediatric immunization clinics is posted at www.rivco-diseasecontrol.org/diseas25.htm.

People can also call (888) 246-1215, she said.

A list of county-run family care centers where adults can get nasal vaccines is posted at www.rivco-familycarecenters.org/clinics.htm.

Public health also posted information about the seasonal flu shots at http://www.rivcoph.org/.

State health officials say there have been 219 swine flu deaths in California, up from 188 last month.

California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Mark Horton said Thursday in Sacramento that the number of deaths is expected to rise.

Horton says a sample of doctors from across the state are reporting that about 5 percent of their patients are presenting with symptoms of flu. About 2 percent is normal for this time of year.

Horton says about 95 percent of those presenting with flu symptoms this season have swine flu.

Swine flu vaccines continues to arrive in California, with 600,000 doses of the nasal spray and 150,000 doses of the injectable vaccine distributed to date.