Health Department unlikely to receive more seasonal flu vaccine

Paul Teague

Nov. 7, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The Caldwell County Health Department likely will not receive additional shipments of seasonal flu vaccine, according to the county's medical director.

During Thursday night's Caldwell County Board of Health meeting, Dr. Mark Picton said the only doses remaining are a small supply for pediatric patients.

Last month, the Health Department's drive-through seasonal flu vaccination clinics in Lenoir and Granite Falls serviced more than 2,000 patients.

The Health Department continues to receive H1N1 vaccine in incremental shipments, Picton said, and a clinic is scheduled to for Friday, Nov. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

The vaccine is available for targeted groups and includes pregnant women, caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, health care workers, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, adults ages 25-64 with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD or other health disorders.

Picton said more than 90 percent of the diagnosed flu cases across the country have been H1N1 infections, adding that seasonal flu tends to peak in Caldwell County in January and February.

He said a recent clinic vaccinated 450 individuals in the target groups.

Additional information about the flu is available on the Health Department's recorded line (828) 426-8456 and the Caldwell County Web site www.caldwellcountync.org.

Meanwhile, Caldwell County Health Director Denise Michaud said the county is moving forward with the planned implementation of the statewide smoking ban, which will affect almost all restaurants in North Carolina on Jan. 2, 2010.

Michaud said the department has received $1,400 in funding to provide information about the law to local restaurants and received an additional $450 to purchase coasters that will provide information lines on quitting smoking.

Approximately two-thirds of the restaurants in Caldwell County already prohibit smoking, Michaud noted.

In other business, the board:

--Received a report from Caldwell County Home Health Director Valerie Kelly, who advised senior citizens to exercise caution in making changes to the Medicare plan during the annual coordinated election period that begins Nov. 15 and continues through the end of the year. Anyone with questions should contact Home Heath at (828) 426-8401.

--Approved grants for employee wellness programs, out-of-wedlock pregnancy prevention, immunization clinics and WIC programs.

--Moved its Dec. 3 meeting to the Caldwell County Human Services building. A reception for board members will be held prior to the 7 p.m. start.

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