DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 10, 2004 DHSS-144-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH SCHEDULES 1,684 FLU VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS FOR DEC. 14
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) filled 1,684 flu vaccination appointments today for clinics to be held statewide on Dec. 14. DPH operated a call center from 8:30 - 5:00 and had 7,000 appointments available. If the state secures additional vaccine, the Flu Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group will announce a distribution plan.
Appointments were scheduled for residents who met the following eligibility criteria:
- Anyone aged 65 and older
- Age 9 - 64 years with underlying chronic health conditions
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season, which is October 2004 - February 2005.
- Age 9-18 years who are on chronic aspirin therapy.
Children less than 9 years will not be vaccinated in this round of clinics. Parents or guardians of children under nine who are recommended to receive flu vaccinations should contact DPH at 1-800-282-8672 for child vaccination appointments. When attending the clinic, individuals must bring identification, proof that they live or attend school in Delaware, and their Medicare card, if applicable.
DPH recommends that people take the following steps to prevent the spread of influenza:
- Watch the news for information about DPH clinics and how to make an appointment.
- Do not call or go to a hospital for flu vaccination. Hospitals are using their vaccine for their sickest patients and to assure that they have a healthy staff to provide care.
- Call your private physician to find out the likelihood and timing of receiving vaccine
- Veterans must be enrolled with the Veterans Administration to receive the vaccine through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Elsmere. For more information, call 302-633-5209.
- If you become sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can prescribe medicines that reduce the severity of flu if he or she knows within two days of the onset of flu symptoms.
- Ask your doctor about being vaccinated against pneumonia (pneumococcal vaccine), one of flu's most common and potentially severe complications.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
