For Immediate Release

January 22, 2010 

H1N1 Vaccinations still Available 

Galveston County and Cities – The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) still has H1N1 vaccine available and encourages anyone that has not received it to do so to protect them from illness.    

The free H1N1 vaccinations are being provided at: 

Galveston County Health District Headquarters

1207 Oak St, La Marque

Monday through Friday, as long as vaccine supplies last. Vaccinations will be given each day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.     

In addition to the shots being provided at GCHD headquarters there are also community outreach clinics scheduled where the public can access the free H1N1 vaccinations.   

H1N1 vaccinations will be available at the following locations: 

Galveston:  Tuesday, January 26^th, Galveston City Hall, 823 Rosenberg, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the break room on the second floor.  

La Marque: Wednesday, January 27^th, City of La Marque Community Room, 1109-B Bayou Road, 12 noon to 2 p.m. 

League City:  Thursday, January 28^th, Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W Walker Street, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

Santa Fe:  Tuesday, February 2^nd, Santa Fe City Hall, 12002 Hwy 6, 10 a.m. – 12 noon. 

League City:  Saturday, February 13^th, Clear Creek Intermediate School, 2451 E Main, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.     

Community organizations or others that may be interested in scheduling an outreach clinic should contact the Galveston County Health District’s Immunization Services at (409) 938-2244.

Anyone will be able to receive the H1N1 vaccination who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected.  Due to the risk of serious consequences certain high-risk groups are strongly advised to receive the vaccination which includes:

• 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.) 

Parents are reminded if children 9 years or younger have already received their first dose of H1N1 vaccine, and it has been at least one month they should come in for the CDC recommended booster shot.  

District officials encourage everyone to stay informed, and also practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu.  Recommended actions include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing, and frequent hand washing.  If soap and water are not available a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol should be used.  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. For more information about Galveston County Health District immunization activities and vaccine supply call (409) 938-7221. 

  (News Media: For more information contact Kurt Koopmann, GCHD Public Information Officer, 409-938-2211 or kkoopman@gchd.org)