Santa Paula’s first flu shot clinic not open as expected

October 25, 2006
Santa Paula News

Although there’s supposedly plenty of flu vaccine, dozens of Santa Paulans found themselves shot-less on Saturday when a planned clinic offering low cost injections was rescheduled.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAlthough there’s supposedly plenty of flu vaccine, dozens of Santa Paulans found themselves shot-less on Saturday when a planned clinic offering low cost injections was rescheduled.According to the Ventura County Public Health Department, a flu vaccine clinic was scheduled Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 254 W. Harvard Boulevard. But when those seeking the shots arrived, a note on the door of the Santa Paula West Health Clinic noted that flu vaccine clinic had been rescheduled to November 11.November 11 is also the day that shots are supposed to be available through a special clinic to be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santa Paula Hospital. Shots are also scheduled on November 5 at the Santa Paula Senior Center at the Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Some of those seniors seeking flu shots on Saturday showed up at the Ventura County Health office - also located on West Harvard Boulevard - to see if shots were available at that location. “We tried the place behind the DMV, but a note on the door said that that shots have been rescheduled,” noted one woman, who found that the county clinic was also closed.
Because of this year’s high availability of flu vaccine, the Ventura County Health Department is urging all residents receive a shot. People 50 years or older, anyone with chronic diseases of the lungs, heart and kidneys or who have diabetes, and those with severe anemia are urged to receive shots. Shots are also strongly recommended for convalescent home residents and caregivers, as well as for pregnant women and all children from 6 months to 5 years old.Although deliveries of flu vaccine have been made to many Ventura County destinations, the bulk of the vaccine is expected to arrive by the end of October.The flu can exhibit symptoms of chills, dry cough, headache, body aches, fever, stuffy nose and sore throat, and most people infected recover in about a week. But those with chronic health problems can find that the flu is just the beginning of a far more serious illness such as pneumonia.According to the Center for Disease Control, 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans are stricken by the flu each year, and about 36,000 die from complications brought on by influenza.Also offering flu shots at varying prices are drug and grocery stores.



Site Search

E-Subscribe

Subscribe

E-SUBSCRIBE
Call 805 525 1890 to receive the entire paper early. $50.00 for one year.

webmaster