Flu vaccine is now available for the 2008 influenza season. People of all ages should consider flu vaccination, especially those at the highest risk: adults 50 years and older, children ages six months through 18 years, persons with chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during flu season, residents of nursing homes, health care workers, out-of-home caregivers of children under six months and of persons in high-risk groups.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and WA State Dept. of Health also recommend that all children ages six months through 18 years be vaccinated this year. State-supplied vaccine is expected to arrive around mid-October and will be available at low cost for children under 19 years of age. Children younger than nine years receiving the vaccine for the first time require a second dose at least four weeks later to be fully protected. All other patients require only one dose of the vaccine, as studies have not demonstrated any benefit from receiving more than one dose during an influenza season, even among elderly persons with weakened immune systems.
Following are the locations and times for flu vaccine clinics on Orcas Island:
Orcas Family Health Center. Adult and children flu shot clinics will be held all day Oct. 13, 21, 27, and Nov. 4. Please call for an appointment, 376-7778. If another time is more convenient, please call to schedule. They have both the standard flu shot and the nasal spray, as well as state-supplied vaccine for children.
Orcas Island Family Medicine. Various times, please call for more information: 376-4949.
Preservative-free vaccine available at Orcas Medical Center. Please call 376-2561 for an appointment.
Adult flu vaccination clinics on Oct.15 and 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult vaccinations can also be scheduled as a regular nurse appointment.
Child (six months through 18 years) flu vaccinations can be scheduled as a regular nurse-only appointment or as part of a regular physician visit. (Vaccine without preservatives is available for children 6 mos. – 35 mos.)
San Juan Co. Public Health Dept. – at the Orcas Senior Center. Walk-in vaccination clinic (all ages) on November 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other times by appointment (Call 378-4474). Fees: children $15; adults $28.
Billing provided for Medicaid and Medicare Part B when card presented.
