Other Highlights
MAYOR ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
City of Los Angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2009
CONTACT:
Rachel Kruer
(213) 978-0741
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA HELPS OPEN FIRST FREE H1N1 VACCINE CLINIC IN LOS ANGELES
Pregnant women, individuals 6 months to 24 years old, those with chronic health conditions among priority groups for vaccine
LOS ANGELES - Mayor Villaraigosa joined by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Director of Public Health, opened the doors to the first free H1N1 vaccine clinic in Los Angeles. The first of ninety nine free vaccine clinics in the City will ensure that residents in the CDC-designated priority groups and those who do not have health insurance or a regular source of health care are able to get free H1N1 vaccine.
Vaccines will be available in the form of an injectable flu shot and nasal spray formulations. Those who have health insurance and who do not fall into the H1N1 priority groups are encouraged to obtain the vaccine from their usual sources of health care, as vaccines becomes more widely available over the next several weeks.
“The City of Los Angeles is pleased to be a part of this important public health outreach in providing H1N1 vaccine to its residents,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “Though the flu may not be considered by some to be a serious illness, some groups are at higher risk for complications and I encourage them to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones.”
“Flu prevention is an individual responsibility and a community effort. There are several partners throughout Los Angeles County that will be working with Public Health,” Supervisor Yaroslavsky said. “H1N1 vaccine clinics will be held in cities and unincorporated areas throughout the county, giving everyone at high risk a chance to protect their health with this vaccine.”
A schedule of H1N1 vaccine clinics can be found on the Public Health website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, on www.flushotla.com, or by calling the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone. Some private providers that are offering H1N1 vaccine may be listed on www.findaflushot.com. Additionally, certain chain pharmacies, such as Walgreens, CVS or Ralphs, may be offering H1N1 vaccine starting the first week of November.
Priority groups for H1N1 vaccine are:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for infants under six months of age
- Healthcare and emergency services personnel
- Young people aged six months to 24 years of age
- People aged 25 through 64 years of age who have health conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications.
“Vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of flu, and flu vaccines have a very good safety track record. The H1N1 vaccine is prepared in the same manner as other seasonal flu vaccines,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “I urge all those in the vaccine priority groups, which are based on their risk for a severe case of H1N1, to join me in getting the vaccine. Prevention starts with you.”
Pregnant women, in particular, are at high risk for complications and are urged to get the H1N1 vaccine.
Supplies of vaccine will be growing as the fall progresses, and residents who do not fall into any of the priority groups will be able to get the H1N1 vaccine later this fall.
The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine has an excellent safety profile. It does not cause the flu. It is the best tool we have to protect you and your loved ones, and to fight the spread of flu through our community. The other effective ways to protect yourself and others are simple. Healthy habits such as washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home from work or school if you get sick are all ways to keep healthy.
Influenza, including pandemic H1N1 flu, is a highly contagious illness that is rapidly spread from person-to-person through uncovered coughs and sneezes. The virus may also be spread by touching an infected object or another person’s hand with the flu virus on it, and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes. People infected with flu can spread the virus to others one day before symptoms appear, and up to five days or more after showing signs of illness.
Since many of the people visiting the clinics are uninsured or under-insured, LA Rx Prescriptions Savings Cards, a City-wide card program that will provide discounts on all pharmaceutical medications and will be open to all interested individuals with no age, income or other eligibility restrictions, at all of the vaccination clinics. Through the LA Rx program, cardholders’ savings will range from 5 - 40%, depending on the type of prescription. There are no enrollment fees for the LA Rx cards, and they will be available via Envision through their network of over 1,500 participating retail pharmacies.
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov or visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth.