LOCAL UPDATES:

January 29, 2010

UPDATE:

All age groups are eligible for H1N1 vaccination.  School clinics are now completed.  Multiple pharmacies have vaccine (specific pharmacies noted below), and the Deschutes County Health Department has ongoing clinics in Bend and Redmond (please call 322-7400 for an appointment).

Influenza in Oregon has declined from the height of the recent outbreak in October and has remained steady for several weeks. Hospitalizations have slowed down and deaths in Oregon from pandemic H1N1 have been less frequent. Across the country, however, influenza activity is increasing in many areas. 

We expect to see one more wave of illness (predicted time period is between February to late Spring) to get through based on pandemic history.  The more people protected through vaccination, the less impact the third wave will have, and in fact it is possible we may not notice a third wave if the majority of the population is protected.

Children under 10 years of age are recommended to receive two doses of H1N1 vaccine spaced about four weeks apart.

There is no cost for the vaccine; however, pharmacies and clinics may charge an administration fee for their services and can bill insurance.

In addition, Mt. Medical is also offering walk-in H1N1 vaccinations. Insurance is accepted or the cost per vaccine is $19.68. Mt. Medical, 1302 NE 3rd St., is open each day of the week; please call 388-7799 for hours.

For people without health service or pharmacy benefit access, Deschutes County H1N1 vaccination clinics will be held by appointment by calling (541) 322-7400.

Please see the list below of Deschutes County pharmacies that have H1N1 vaccine. Some pharmacies are holding walk-in clinics and some are offering the vaccine by appointment only. Please call pharmacies directly for information on how to receive the vaccine.

*Pharmacies can only provide vaccine to people 15 years and older.

For more information about H1N1 prevention, pharmacy locations and more, please visit www.flu.gov and www.deschutes.org/h1n1 or call the Deschutes County Health Services Department at (541) 322-7400.