Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer 972-548-4772 lhornsby@co.collin.tx.us Tony Rutigiano 214-208-2509 arutigliano@co.collin.tx.us

October 6, 2004

Collin County Health Services assesses potential flu vaccination availability

(McKinney, TX) – As Collin County Health Care Services awaits the possible arrival of another flu vaccine shipment, county officials are assessing what options may be available for residents seeking a vaccination.

Collin County’s vaccine supply was depleted Tuesday afternoon after administering an estimated 2,500 shots. Ninety-eight percent of the vaccinations were administered to those ages 65 and older. The county is still awaiting 6,500 vaccine doses from Aventis Pasteur and 2,000 children’s doses from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Last year, Collin County gave approximately 5,000 influenza vaccinations and more than doubled the order this year.

Beginning today, county health officials are seeking input from physicians, clinics and pharmacies throughout the county to determine how much vaccine may still be available. As Collin County receives updates, information will be posted on the county website, www.collincountytx.gov. For those who are unable to access the internet, information is available on the health department’s message line at 972-548-5525.

Although the county health department received one shipment of vaccine from Aventis last month, it has yet to receive a second shipment. An Aventis representative did assure county health officials that another shipment is expected. Additionally, the county has not received its vaccine supply from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This vaccine is administered to infants and children.

As Collin County awaits word on the supply status, health officials are encouraging residents to use respiratory etiquette to avoid contracting the flu. Examples include frequent hand washing and remaining at home if a fever develops.

Once the county receives a vaccine supply, health officials will focus on at-risk populations such as infants between the ages of six and 23 months, adults over the age of 65 and persons, persons with underlying chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during the flu season, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, children on chronic aspirin therapy, health care workers with direct patient care and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children under the age of six.

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