Wayne expects to receive 6,000 more flu shots
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on December 13, 2004 1:58 PM
The Wayne County Health Department expects to get another 6,000 doses of the flu vaccine between now and January. Local physicians are being asked to call and reserve the number of doses they'll need.
James Roosen, health director, said the Health Department has been spreading the word to the medical community about the available vaccines. He said that so far response from doctors' offices has been sporadic.
Those considered at high risk for the flu are encouraged to contact their primary care physician. If the flu shot is not available there, Roosen said, the patient should request that the physician call the Health Department.
In the meantime, mini-clinics are being held at the Health Department for those in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
"They drive them here and get vaccinated," Roosen said. "We have between 15 and 30 people at a time."
Roosen said his office is trying to meet the need as it is identified. The clinics started in October, he said, and will likely run through January.
As for public flu clinics, Roosen said he is unsure if or when another will be scheduled at the Health Department. He also said he could not comment on whether additional vaccines will be available after the 6,000 doses run out.
Traditionally, he said, flu season runs from October until March. Roosen said the ideal situation is to vaccinate people before the virus "is out there running rampant." So far, he said, there has not been an outbreak reported in the county.