Businesses in Shenandoah Valley partnering to provide H1N1 mist on weekends
The latest H1N1 news for the Shenandoah Valley -
Winchester, Va. — The Lord Fairfax Health District is working with local businesses to provide the H1N1 (formerly called the “Swine flu”) vaccination in the Nasal Mist formulation, over the next two weekends. The Nasal Mist formulation is suitable for persons who are aged 2-49, not pregnant, and without any chronic underlying medical conditions.
“This is a ‘multiple-winners’ scenario,” said Stephen A. Haering, MD, MPH, director of the Lord Fairfax Health District. “First, area businesses are kindly offering us space to provide free H1N1 Nasal Mist vaccine to their staff and their customers. Second, we will be providing this on Friday night and Saturday mornings – at times that many people might not be able to get to their doctor or to one of the health department offices.
Finally, we’ll be providing the Nasal Mist vaccine free of charge, it is painless, and it is just as effective as the injection, or shot, formulation of the vaccine,” said Dr. Haering.
The H1N1 Nasal Mist vaccine can only be used by certain persons – eligible recipients must be:
- Aged 2-49
- Not pregnant
- Free from any underlying medical conditions (such as heart diseases, lung disease like asthma, and metabolic disease like diabetes).
Lord Fairfax Health District professionals will screen persons for contraindications to ensure that they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Public health officials are advising persons to get the H1N1 vaccine even if they have been diagnosed with “the flu” previously. “The problem,” said Dr. Haering, “is that it is not possible, even from the rapid flu tests, to determine with certainty if a person actually had the flu or another infection.” He went on to report that many area physicians have been calling with reports that people have been getting “the flu” more than once this season.
Recommendations to wash hand frequently and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or an elbow remain in place. Doctors also continue to recommend that people with a fever stay home away from school and work until at least 24 hours after the fever has resolved. Dr. Haering added that “the single best thing a person can do to protect themselves against the flu is to get vaccinated.”
The following is the list of locations, dates and times the H1N1 Nasal Mist vaccine will be available in the Valley:
In Winchester:
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 181 Kernstown Commons Boulevard, Winchester; Friday 12/4, from 10:00 pm – 1:00 am; Saturday 12/5, from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
- Apple Blossom Mall (in the Promotions Court between the Food Court and Belk), US 50 West at I-81, Exit 313-B, Winchester: Saturday 12/5 and Saturday 12/12, from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
- All McDonald’s Restaurants in Winchester: Saturday 12/5 and Saturday 12/12, from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Locations include:
- Greenwood at 222 Grocery Avenue (off Senseny Road)
- 1801 Pleasant Valley Road
- Rutherford Crossing at 111 Merchant Street
- Sunnyside at 250 Rivendell Court
In Luray:
- Burger King Restaurant, 1034 US Highway West 211, Luray: Saturday 12/5 and Saturday 12/12, from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
In Woodstock:
- Burger King Restaurant, 334 West Reservoir Road, Woodstock: Saturday 12/5 and Saturday 12/12, from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
For more information about the H1N1 Nasal Mist outreaches, call the Lord Fairfax Health District at 540-722-3480. For more information on H1N1 influenza, call the Virginia Department of Health hotline at 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343) or check its website at www.vdh.virginia.gov or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
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