Sunday, November 29, 2009
News, Health + Fitness, In this Issue..., Atlanta

Where's the H1N1 vaccine?

The Sunday Paper has compiled some data about where to find the H1N1 vaccination

LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images

By Christine Foster

    As we officially enter the holiday season, we tend to look forward to the good food, neatly wrapped gifts, lively parties, family gatherings and … H1N1 influenza?

    The U.S. has been dealing with the new strand of flu virus, also called swine flu, much earlier than we typically see the seasonal flu. So what can we do to protect ourselves and stop spreading H1N1 flu germs? Vaccinate, say local health officials.

    The question is, which areas and medical centers still have the limited amount of vaccination available?

    “This virus strain is new, and because of that, so is the vaccination,” says James Steinberg, a professor at Emory University School of Medicine and chief medical officer at Emory University Hospital in Midtown. “Say 150 million people want the vaccination, but [pharmaceutical companies] are only able to produce a certain amount per week, so of course that means there is going to be a shortage at first.”

    Under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, the vaccine shot is reserved for high-priority groups such as pregnant women, infant caregivers, medical personnel, anyone age 2 to 24, and anyone age 25 to 64 with a history of medical problems. However, the nasal spray is offered to any healthy person age 2 to 49.

The Web site Flu.gov and the Georgia Division of Public Health now offer tools to help state residents find a nearby doctor or health department currently carrying flu vaccines. On the GDPH Web site (health.state.ga.us), click on the “H1N1 Home” link, then on the “H1N1 Provider Locator” button, enter your zip code, and the site produces a list of places that may have the vaccine.

    The Sunday Paper has also compiled some data about where people can find the H1N1 vaccination, based on information obtained from local health departments. All providers should be contacted prior to visiting for the most updated information.
 

Fulton County

The Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness recently received a 9,000-dose shipment of the H1N1 vaccine shot. The vaccine is free, with or without proof of medical insurance, according to department spokeswoman April Majors.
Both the H1N1 shot and nasal spray are now offered at all Fulton County Health & Wellness locations between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, call 404-730-6522 or visit www.fultoncountygahealth.org 

DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Board of Health had 2,200 H1N1 vaccine shots on hand as of Nov. 24, but had fewer than 100 nasal spray doses, according to board Spokeswoman Vickie Elisa. Seasonal flu vaccine is currently unavailable at the DeKalb department. 
There is no charge for vaccination. However, officials ask that those with Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance bring their identification cards with them in case an administrative fee is charged.
When available, the vaccine is offered to walk-ins between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 404-294-3700 or visit www.dekalbhealth.net 

Cobb and Douglas Counties

The Cobb & Douglas Public Health Department ran out of H1N1 vaccine shots and nasal spray on Nov. 5. According to department voice recordings and the department’s Web site, they still had not received a new shipment as of Nov. 23.
The department does have regular seasonal flu vaccine available for $25 per shot.
Health centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call 770-514-2300 in Cobb and 770-949-1970 in Douglas, or visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org
 

Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale Counties

The East Metro Health District is currently offering H1N1 vaccine shots at its Lawrenceville, Norcross, Buford, Conyers and Covington health center locations.
The shots are given to high-priority candidates at no cost, although people are encouraged to bring Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance cards in the event that they are not in a high-priority group.
For more information, call 1-888-416-1463 or visit www.eastmetrohealth.com SP