H1N1 vaccine begins to arrive at area hospitals, pediatric clinics and other sites

SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane Regional Health District has begun directing shipments of the H1N1 vaccine for delivery to area healthcare locations. First to receive the incoming vaccine were area hospitals in order to begin vaccinating their healthcare workers and high-risk patients. Some area pediatricians have also received vaccine, although in amounts much smaller than they had ordered. Because the vaccine shipments are happening in lower quantities and along a slower timeline than originally planned, providers who receive the vaccine will use it for those patients and staff who meet the CDC's prioritization for early vaccination.

"Although we certainly wish we had more vaccine now, each week additional shipments of vaccine should arrive and be delivered to more and more places in the community," said Dr. Joel McCullough, Health Officer for the Spokane Regional Health District. "Until people are vaccinated, we must count on other prevention activities to help slow the spread of this virus."

Over the next month, the Health District is planning more than a dozen community vaccination clinics and many area medical providers will be offering the vaccine to their patients who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) criteria for prioritized vaccination.

The public is urged to visit the Health District website www.srhd.org for updated information on vaccinations, and other related H1N1 information. A recorded information line (509 324-1495) also provides information on vaccination and H1N1.

Spokane Regional Health District provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations. Requests may be made by calling 324-1480 or TDD 324-1464.