Everyone in San Juan County wanting to receive the H1N1 vaccine is now eligible to do so, the county Department of Health has announced.
The county Health Department will sponsor H1N1 vaccination clinics Wednesday, 1-4 p.m., at Mullis Community Senior Center in Friday Harbor; Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Orcas Island Senior Center in Eastsound; and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at Lopez Island Senior Center.
The clinics are open to any San Juan County resident who wishes to receive the H1N1 vaccine, regardless of health status or age. The vaccine is free of charge at Health Department clinics.
Those on Medicare or Medicaid should bring their cards.
San Juan Healthcare will provide seasonal flu immunizations Wednesday at Mullis Center for $30.
Inter Island Medical Center will offer H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines on Thursday. Call 378-2141 to make an appointment. The H1N1 vaccine is free of charge, but there is a $20 administration fee. The charge for seasonal flu vaccination is $31.
No recalled vaccine in San Juan County
San Juan County Health and Community Services Director John Manning confirmed this morning that no H1N1 vaccine involved in a non‑safety related recall had been shipped to San Juan County.
The manufacturer’s recall, which involved vaccine for young children (6 months to 35-months-old), was based on the fact the antigen content of four lots of vaccine had fallen below specifications – in effect being weaker than recommended.
Before it was determined that San Juan County was not affected, notification of the recall had been forwarded to local medical providers and schools.
“There is no reason for concern by anyone who has received an H1N1 vaccination in this County,” Manning said in a press release.
All children younger than 10 years require two vaccinations to ensure optimal protection. According to the manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, even children who may have received the recalled vaccine in other parts of the county as one of their two shots, should be adequately protected.
The manufacturer said that no safety concern is associated with the recalled vaccine.
