Current Situation:
This information release relating to the current flu season and H1N1 Flu in San Luis Obispo County will be followed by weekly updates that will include accurate information about local and statewide statistics, prevention efforts including vaccine distribution and ways to obtain further information.

For the most current information on local H1N1 response efforts, please see our County’s new H1N1 website is now available at: http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/health/publichealth/swineflu.htm.

You can also find it by clicking on the top link at the County’s homepage at www.slocounty.ca.gov. Choose the link on the far right side of the page to subscribe to regular e-mail updates sent straight to your inbox.

In addition to the new website, we have also implemented an Information Line available from 8-5 Monday through Friday at 805-781-5500. As always, our Public Health Information Line (recorded message with frequently asked questions) can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

Currently, emergency rooms and some schools around San Luis Obispo County are seeing a higher than usual level of influenza-like illness (ILI), consistent with widespread ILI at the state and national level. In coordination with the California Department of Public Health, San Luis Obispo County has calculated and placed a substantial order for doses of the H1N1 vaccine for the County’s residents according to priority groups specified by the Center for Disease Control.

To date, only a small number of vaccine doses have been delivered to San Luis Obispo County as the nation is experiencing a slowed manufacturing process. Those doses have been received by local pediatricians and Health Department sites for delivery to children ages 2-4 and parents of children less than 6 months of age.

If you believe you qualify to be vaccinated, call your pediatrician’s office or your local Public Health Department

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY HEALTH AGENCY
October 29, 2009, 3:00pm

To schedule an appointment. San Luis Obispo County is just beginning to receive additional deliveries of ordered vaccinations and will keep the public updated on the supply.

Overall, for the month of October vaccination production in the US has lagged at least 25% behind anticipated and almost 50% for the fall season.

There are, however, ample supplies of anti-viral medication available and resistance to these medications is rare. Reported widespread shortages of respiratory protection, N95 masks, have prompted the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to authorize the release up to 50% of the states stockpile with distribution conducted by Local Health Departments.

In addition to the H1N1 vaccination, a small number of the seasonal flu vaccine is available at three health department sites for those over the age of 60, and those with chronic medical conditions. Contact your local Public Health Department office to schedule an appointment.

Additional Information: Please visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/health/publichealth/swineflu.htm

Or call the Public Health Information Line: 805-788-2903.

Información adicional: Información en español está disponible. Favor de llamar la línea de información de salud pública al 805-788-2903 o al departamento de salud de San Luis Obispo al 805-781-5500.