by PAMELA ROBINSON Register Staff Writer
Restrictions for the small share of H1N1 immunizations received in Cooke County are letting up little by little.
The restrictions determine who can receive the vaccine and flu mist right now.
Texas Department of State Health Services Registered Nurse Linda Williams, of the Gainesville office said of their available supply, “We are to give it to our high-priority risk groups.”
Williams said they have not been able to administer very many of the H1N1 immunizations so far, due to restrictions on who can receive them at this time.
She said their office was able to immunize a few people during their open clinic last week because they received a shipment of the H1N1 immunization just before their scheduled clinic in Gainesville.
Williams said the restrictions on who can receive the H1N1 immunization continue to change. Other high-risk groups continue to be included.
Williams said yesterday that another change had just been made. “It was expanded for children and adults with chronic illness up through age 64.”
High-risk groups that may receive the H1N1 immunization include:
- Infants, age six to 23 months (injectable)
- Well children, ages two through four years (flumist/nasal spray)
- Chronically ill children and adults, ages two through 64 years (injectable)
- Pregnant women (injectable)
- Household/Caregivers for infants less than six months old (injectable).
“We received a very minimum amount and we are expecting more,” said Williams of their H1N1 supplies.
“Hopefully we will try to set up more open clinics,” she added, “but that’s up in the air.”
Williams said their office is also responsible for treating tuberculosis cases so they need to set some time aside for those who need treatment.
Williams said that the public can call their office to schedule an appointment for H1N1 and the seasonal flu immunizations. The public can also call the office to see if they are able to handle walk-ins on a particular day.
To make an appointment with the Texas Department of State Health Services to receive an immunization or to check if they are accepting walk-ins, call (940) 665-6397.
A calendar may also be picked up from their office at 715-D E. California. The calendar shows where and when the department clinics are scheduled and when they will be available back in the Cooke County office.
There is no charge for the H1N1 immunizations received through the Texas Department of State Health Services office. There is a $10 donation for the administration of the seasonal flu immunization, but those who cannot afford the charge will not be turned away. Medicaid and medicare will be accepted for the seasonal flu immunization.
To receive an update on immunization availability in our area, Region 2-3, Williams said the public can call 211.
At least one private clinic in Cooke County has also received a shipment of the H1N1 immunization that is available to their patients.
Check with your doctor’s office or clinic to find out if they have the H1N1 or seasonal flu immunizations available.
