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 13, 2004

Collin County Health Care Services continues flu vaccination assessment, still awaiting supply information from Aventis

(McKinney, TX) – As Collin County Health Care Services continues an assessment of flu vaccination needs and availability, the county has yet to receive a vaccine shipment from Aventis.

On Tuesday, 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. In the meantime, daily calls by county health personnel to Aventis have not provided any additional information on the county’s shipment status.

“As a health professional, it is frustrating to know that despite comprehensive planning, we have had to deny flu vaccinations to those who need it the most,” says Collin County Health Care Services Director Candy Blair.

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 organizations 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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