Vaccine available for some at clinic
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on November 6, 2006 1:45 PM
Reports of an early flu season this year have prompted the Health Department to schedule a flu clinic Tuesday to distribute vaccinations it has on hand.
Health Director James Roosen said statewide surveillance last week showed the flu season is starting, with several cases already reported.
"One school system closed in the western part of the state (Yancey County), so we are concerned that we have to vaccinate as many people as possible in Wayne County," he said.
The Health Department had been in the process of organizing a mass vaccination clinic for Nov. 18, Roosen said. When reports showed more flu activity than expected, the decision was made to distribute the vaccines the Health Department has.
A limited number of flu shots are available, Roosen said, and will be given out on Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m.
No appointment is necessary, and people with special needs who are non-ambulatory will be able to remain in their vehicle to receive the vaccine. In such cases, a friend or family member will first need to register the patient inside the building.
There will be a $20 charge for the flu vaccine for those who do not have Medicaid, Medicare, or state health care plan.
Individuals should bring a health care coverage card with them. To save processing time, people with access to the Internet may go online at www.waynegov.com/health. Patients may bring the completed form on the day of the clinic.
Parking spaces will be available around the entire building, and individuals are asked to enter through the Herman Street entrance. All other regularly scheduled clinics at the Health Department will be cancelled on Nov. 7.