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 Rutigliano 972-548-3711 arutigliano@co.collin.tx.us

October 12, 2004

Collin County Health Services continues assessment of flu vaccination availability and needs

(McKinney, TX) -Collin County Health Care Services is continuing to assess the availability of flu vaccinations and needs.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a vaccination allocation plan. After speaking with a CDC representative, Collin County has learned that the organization intends to work with local and state health departments in determining where the greatest needs lie. A determination has not yet been made on whether Collin County Health Care Services will receive an anticipated shipment of vaccine.

Collin County's vaccine supply was depleted on October 5th 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.

Since last week, county health officials have continued to seek input from physicians, clinics and pharmacies throughout the county to determine how much vaccine may still be available. Collin County-based medical personnel who have not received a fax from the county health department and would like to report their vaccination supply status may call 972-548-4707. Additional organization with high risk groups may also call this number. The county would like to submit a comprehensive status of the vaccination situation to the state.

County residents seeking information about vaccination supplies can visit 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.

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