Durham,
N.C. – This morning at a joint news conference held between Durham County
Health Department and Duke University Health System, the public was reminded of
the critical need to
receive the influenza vaccine as soon as possible. Gayle B. Harris,
director of the Durham County Public Health Department, and Dr. Cameron R.
Wolfe, a physician with the Duke University Medical Center Division of
Infectious Diseases, noted that vaccines are the most powerful
public health tool for control of influenza.
“The Health Department is
coordinating our vaccine administration strategies with Duke University Health
System and other healthcare providers to ensure that all persons at high risk
for flu complications have access to the H1N1 vaccines in a timely and efficient
manner,” said Harris.
The
vaccination for H1N1 will be made available to the public in two different forms
including a nasal spray and an injection.
Currently, the nasal spray vaccine is available. During the news conference, health
officials explained the details of each vaccine and who qualifies to receive the
vaccine. Health officials also
announced plans for vaccine clinics for elementary school students on October 19
and 21, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Durham Public
Schools Staff
Development Center, located at 2107 Hillandale
Road. While supplies last,
the H1N1 vaccine will be offered at the Durham County Health Department
Immunization Clinic.
"Given the
initial limited availability of the vaccine, at this time we are encouraging
those groups identified as high priority by the CDC and able to receive the
nasal spray form get the vaccine," said Wolfe. "Multiple studies, including some
conducted at Duke, have reported to the FDA attesting to the safety of the
vaccine."
Updates regarding H1N1 vaccines,
mass vaccination clinics, and school clinics to be hosted by the DCHD can be
found on the DCHD website in
the near future, and on the H1N1 Vaccine Information Line, at 919-560-7882. For additional information about
the H1N1 vaccine, citizens are advised to visit the CDC Web site.
