Florence, AZ - Two mass H1N1 flu vaccinations are planned for Pinal County.
The first is Saturday, November 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Villago Middle School in Casa Grande and at Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley.
The next clinic is planned for November 19 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mammoth Elementary School in Mammoth.
The focus of these clinics is to vaccinate those who are between 6 months and 24 years old or pregnant, however no one will be turned away unless they have clinical contraindications.
"We have the resources to vaccinate 5,000 people at each location on the 14th and expect to offer about 700 doses on the 19th," said Public Health Director Tom Schryer.
As vaccine supply picks up, these new supplies of the vaccine can be made available at about 60 locations throughout the county without having each location overrun by crowds.
These locations include health care providers, public health clinics, urgent care centers and pharmacies throughout the county.
"The sooner we can make this vaccine available through normal channels, the better off everyone will be," Schryer explained. "It takes a few weeks for the vaccine to achieve full effectiveness. Giving the shots now may help stop the spread of illness as people begin planning Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings."
What to expect on the 14th - Out of respect for peoples' time and to limit the time people have to wait in line, residents will check in and be fitted with a tamper-proof wrist band.
The color of the band will indicate the time to return for the vaccine.
All family members must be present to receive a wristband as these bands are not transferable.
Return times are based on the hourly capacity of the clinic, which is 625 people per hour.
What to expect on the 19th - The vaccine administration model is likely to be similar to the plan used on the 14th but will depend greatly on the number of people who attend.
If you are already sick, stay home - Pinal County Public Health will not vaccinate anyone who is ill. Sick individuals will be turned away and asked to wait in the car while the rest of their party is vaccinated. Parents of sick children are advised to stay home or arrange for care for the sick child.
Booster shots for children under 10 - The second booster shot for children under 10 will NOT be administered during these mass vaccination clinics. These clinics are for initial doses only. Children who need the booster should make arrangements with their family care provider or the public health clinic in their community.
If you are not available on these dates - Supplies of the vaccine are also being distributed to health care providers and will be available at public health clinics, pharmacies, urgent care centers and doctor's offices.
For the most recent
information on vaccine availability within your area of Pinal County, please call the H1N1 Information Hotline toll free 1-888-840-8795 for English or 1-888-840-8796 for Spanish.
