County Health Officer Urges Cooperation By Health Care Providers
And The General Public Due To Vaccine Shortage

Because of the unexpected nationwide shortage in influenza vaccine, Orange County Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton is urging all health care providers and the general public to observe the following guidelines regarding who should receive flu vaccines. The vaccine should only be given to the following groups of high-risk individuals:

• All children 6-23 months of age

• Adults 65 years and older

• People from 2 to 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions

• Pregnant women

• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

• Children 6 months to18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy

• Health care workers who provide direct patient care

• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months old

In addition, Dr. Horton is requesting the cooperation of private health care providers as the County’s Health Care Agency conducts flu vaccine inventories in order to facilitate the possible reallocation of available vaccine to the areas and groups of greatest need. This is in keeping with the Public Health Order issued this afternoon by the State’s Public Health Officer Dr. Richard Jackson.

“We will continue to work closely with our health care providers and community partners here in Orange County to ensure that the high-risk groups are given the highest priority for the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Horton. “ I’m strongly encouraging those who are not at high risk for complications from the flu to forgo the vaccine this year to ensure that the vaccine is available for someone truly at risk.”

This year, it will be very important to stay healthy during the flu season. Some helpful tips include wash your hands frequently, eat healthy foods, exercise, make sure you drink enough water and get plenty of rest. If you begin to feel sick:

• Stay home from work or school and get plenty of rest

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

• Drink lots of liquids

• Avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help feel better

If you are a high-risk individual, you may be able to get a flu shot from your doctor, other health care providers or community sites in Orange County. To find out about community flu shot sites, call the Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 or visit www.findaflushot.com.

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