Galveston County and Cities – The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) announced today they now have over 5,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine available for Galveston County residents at high-risk of acquiring the illness.   

H1N1 vaccinations for high risk persons will be given while supplies last at Mall of the Mainland in Texas City, Friday October 30^th, and Saturday October 31^st, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Only injectable H1N1 vaccine will be available on these days.   

GCHD is beginning its vaccination effort based on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for groups at the highest risk of serious illness or death from H1N1 influenza.

“Given the uncertainty of vaccine distribution this season, it’s most important that county residents in any of the high-risk groups get vaccinated first to prevent risk of illness, hospitalization, and other severe consequences,” said Dr. Mark Guidry, MD, MPH, and Galveston County Health Authority.  “Persons who are not in the high-risk groups may be able to be vaccinated later this year as more vaccine becomes available.”  

Groups recommended by the CDC to receive the novel H1N1 influenza include:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people six months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25-64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza disease (lung disease, heart disease, asthma, etc.) 

Individuals who are not in one of these categories should not expect to be vaccinated until the vaccine becomes widely available later in the fall.  Once the priority groups have been immunized, it is likely there will be enough vaccine available for all who wish to receive it.   

“In addition to getting vaccinated, also stay informed and practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of H1N1,” said Dr. Cassandra Arceneaux, Deputy Galveston County Health Authority.  “Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.  If soap and water are not available and you are using a hand sanitizer, be sure it is at least 60 percent alcohol.”  For a video on proper hand washing, see www.gchd.org.  

The Galveston County Health District strives to protect and promote public health for all residents of Galveston County and cities. During the vaccination event at Mall of the Mainland GCHD’s regular immunization clinics in Dickinson, Texas City and Galveston will be closed. For more information about Galveston County Health District immunization activities and vaccine supply call (409) 938-7221.

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Kurt Koopmann