Weekly Flu Bulletin
October 14, 2009
Health Department Opens H1N1 FluMist Vaccine Clinic
The Metro Public Health Department began offering H1N1 FluMist nasal spray vaccine to the general public in addition to health care workers on Tuesday, October 13th. Since then we have provided the vaccine to more than 1,200 people. Our clinic, located at the Lentz Health Center, 311 23rd Ave. North, offers the vaccine free as long as supplies last from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m, Monday through Friday. The Health Department opened the clinic with nearly 5,000 doses of H1N1 FluMist nasal spray vaccine. We currently have no H1N1 injectable flu vaccine.
H1N1 FluMist nasal spray is limited to those ages 2 – 49, with no underlying health conditions, and not pregnant. If you have had Seasonal FluMist then you must wait 28 days before receiving the H1N1 FluMist.
H1N1 influenza continues to occur in Davison County. The Health Department recommends children and young adults get vaccinated because they are at greatest risk of illness from H1N1 flu and its complications.
We are planning to open more H1N1 vaccine community clinics to the general public, based on availability, in early November. I'll provide more information on those in the coming weeks.
I invite you to visit the health.nashville.gov for information and the latest guidance for the community, including schools, employers, and faith based organizations. The Health Department also has a recorded community information telephone line (615-340-7775) with the latest information about seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Thank you for your commitment to a Healthy Nashville!
Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health of Nashville/Davidson County