Pinal Never Received or Distributed Recalled H1N1 Vaccine

FLORENCE, AZ – Sanofi Aventis, one of several manufacturers of the H1N1 vaccine, today issued a voluntary recall of certain pediatric vaccine. Routine testing of the vaccine revealed that its potency or effectiveness had diminished and it may not be strong enough to prevent infection.

“This particular vaccine formula and dosage is not among the vaccines distributed to Pinal County or to medical care providers in Pinal County,” Tom Schryer, Pinal County Public Health Director said. “No one who received the vaccine in Pinal County received vaccine affected by the recall.”

Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on Public Health and other important information. Visit and bookmark www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.

Pinal County Residents Can Now Schedule Appointments through Citizen Contact Center

FLORENCE -- Pinal County residents can now schedule appointments to receive an H1N1 immunization at their local public health clinics.

The focus group for these vaccinations continues to be those who are 24 years old and younger as well as pregnant women. However no one will be refused an H1N1 immunization unless they have a medical condition that would make it unwise to administer the vaccine.

Pinal County Public Health Services Director Tom Schryer said that in addition to the public health clinics, there are 46 other locations where residents can receive an H1N1 immunization. Those places include pharmacies, doctor’s offices and several urgent care centers.

To schedule appointments at a Pinal County Public Health Clinic, please call 520-509-3555, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Private providers vary in their policies on appointment requirements but many urgent care centers are providing the vaccine on a walk in basis. Additionally providers vary on billing insurance or other charges. Pinal County Public Health clinics are providing vaccination free of charge.

For information on H1N1 vaccinations at other locations you can call 877-764-2670 or check www.fluaz.org.

For a listing of Pinal County Public Health Clinics visit:
http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/Pages/OfficeLocations.aspx.

Pinal County has an H1N1 Information Hotline with a recorded message featuring the latest H1N1 flu news. For the most recent information on vaccine availability within your area of Pinal County, please call the H1N1 Information Hotline toll free 1-888-840-8795 for English or 1-888-840-8796 for Spanish.

2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Si usted desea mas informacion sobre H1N1 (gripe procina) por favor regrese aqui.