Get H1N1 Vaccine at Fairfax Health Centers

Here's a press release from Fairfax County on H1N1 vaccine availability through the County Health Centers.

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic to Open at

Fairfax County Government Center

October 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu vaccine as the single best way to protect against influenza illness, including the 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”). The Fairfax County Health Department will open a mass vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035).

Due to delays in the production of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, the Fairfax County Health Department has developed a mass vaccination plan that matches the limited supply of vaccine currently available, which is significantly less than anticipated. The health department currently does not have enough vaccine available to hold the vaccination clinics that were scheduled to be held in ten Fairfax County Public Schools on October 24 and 25.

Instead, approximately 10,000 doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be available on October 24. Based on the quantity of vaccine available, and in an effort to vaccinate those at high risk of influenza-related complications, the clinic will be open to all children 6 months to 36 months of age and pregnant women. Children in this age range and pregnant women are among the target groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. The vaccine is voluntary and will be offered on a walk-in basis, free of charge. Seasonal flu vaccine will not be available at these clinics.

A child’s parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form before the child can be vaccinated. An adult 18 years or older must accompany children under the age of 18 to the vaccination site. Consent forms are available online and in the Health Department’s five district offices and three Community Health Care Network sites. Parents are encouraged to print the form and fill it out before visiting the vaccination site on October 24, if possible. Consent forms will be available at the vaccination site.

* Consent Forms (English and Spanish):

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu/h1n1-vaccine-distribution.htm

Depending on availability, both the nasal spray and “flu shot” forms of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be offered. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine has been carefully tested and proved to be both safe and effective. Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine are posted online and available at health department locations. Parents are encouraged to read both statements to educate themselves about the vaccine choices prior to October 24 to allow for ample time to review the information.

* VIS forms for nasal spray and “flu shot” (English and Spanish):

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu/h1n1-vaccine-distribution.htm

To assist the public throughout Saturday, Fairfax County will provide real-time information about the availability of vaccine. Residents are encouraged to check one of the following official sources for updated information before leaving for the vaccination site on October 24:

* Fairfax County Web site: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu/

* Twitter: http://twitter.com/fairfaxcounty
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty
* Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/

(Sign up for "Government Closing/Delays")

* Fairfax County Cable Channel 16

The delay in distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine has impacted the entire nation and has resulted in uneven availability. In the coming weeks, more vaccine is expected to be delivered to health care providers, hospitals, and local health departments. Residents may check with their heath care providers about the availability of 2009 H1N1 vaccine.



The October 24 clinic will not be the only opportunity to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The Fairfax County Health Department is committed to vaccinating target populations as quickly as vaccine becomes available. We continue to work closely with the schools the Health Department serves to plan for vaccinating school-aged children as vaccine becomes available. Depending on the quantities of vaccine available each week, vaccine will be distributed through the Health Department’s district offices or mass vaccination clinics. Updated information about the availability and distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be posted on the county’s Web site, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu. Residents with additional questions about vaccine availability in Fairfax County may call the health department at 703-267-3511.



Consent forms and Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are also available at:



Fairfax County Health Department District Offices

· 6245 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22044 (703-534-8343)

· 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20190 (703-481-4242)

· 3750 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax City, VA 22030 (703-246-7100)

· 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria, VA 22309 (703-704-5203)

· 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite A100, Springfield, VA 22152 (703-569-1031)



Community Health Care Network (CHCN)

· 6196 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044 (703-237-3446)

· 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22309 (703-704-5333)

· 11484 Washington Plaza West, Suite 300, Reston, VA 20190 (703-689-2180)



Media Availability



October 24



* 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Briefing

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

o Members of the media will be able to view the set-up of the H1N1 vaccination clinic.
o Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County Health Director, will brief members of the media about the clinic.
o Members of the media will have opportunities to cover the vaccination effort



* 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Briefing

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

Post-clinic media availability with Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County Health Director