[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Distributes Flu Vaccine and Mist for Adults and Children

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2004
PIO 023-05/rdo

Alexandria Health Department Distributes
Flu Vaccine and Mist for Adults and Children

The City of Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is offering most Alexandria residents some form of flu protection while limited supplies last. Flu vaccine or shots are available for adults and children who are considered high-risk, according to the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The criteria includes:

C Children 6-23 months of age
C Children 6 months to 18 years of age receiving long-term aspirin therapy
C People 65 years of age or older
C People 2 to 64 years of age with underlying chronic medical conditions
C Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months of age
C Women who will be pregnant during the flu season
C Health care workers who provide direct patient care
C Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

In addition, the flu vaccine is now available for the following additional priority groups:

C Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of persons in the CDC’s high-risk groups
C All adults aged 50-64 years.

The AHD also has a very limited supply of flu mist that is available to Alexandrians who are 49 years old or younger and who do not have any serious health problems that make him or her ineligible to receive the flu prevention medication. The flu vaccine or mist can be obtained at the AHD’s walk-in immunization clinic on a first-come, first-served basis, while the supplies last, at 4480 King St., on Tuesdays from 8 to 11 am and Fridays from 9 to 11 am. The cost of the flu vaccine is $18. The cost for the flu mist is $31.

The Health Department urges people who are a high-risk of flu complications to get a flu vaccine while the supplies lasts. The flu vaccine will be provided to Medicare recipients who have previously received services under Medicare at the AHD, but the AHD is unable to accept new Medicare clients at this time. The AHD is also distributing the flu vaccine to Alexandria physicians who have requested it for their high-risk patients. Individuals should check with their doctor to see if they have received additional vaccine.

The AHD currently has vaccine for high-risk children who are eligible under the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC). VFC eligible groups include children who are enrolled in Medicaid, or who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or Alaskan Native. The vaccine is offered during walk-in days and hours at the Health Department, 4480 King St., on Mondays from 2 to 7 pm and Tuesdays from 8 to 11 am; and the Casey Health Center, 1200 N. Howard St., on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 pm. The Children’s Medical Associates still has vaccine available for high-risk children and adults. The vaccine will be given by appointment only. The cost is $35. To schedule an appointment, call 703.914.8989. When calling for an appointment, please state that you were referred by the Health Department.

People can reduce their chances of getting the flu by staying out of crowds, washing their hands frequently, and using hand sanitizers.

For more information on influenza and the flu vaccine, visit vdh.virginia.gov or www.cdc.gov.

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