New Mexico Department Of Health Prepares For Influenza Mass Vaccination Clinics

[efoods]The New Mexico Department of Health is planning for influenza mass vaccination clinics that will take place this fall to protect people against the novel H1N1 strain of influenza (earlier referred to as swine flu) and against seasonal influenza. The Department of Health is also ensuring that the State and its local partners are prepared to deal with the possibility of an increase in severity of H1N1 influenza cases, including a potential pandemic in New Mexico.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising states that vaccine companies are working on producing an H1N1 vaccination that may require people get two shots in addition to the seasonal influenza vaccination. The agency has not told states when to expect vaccines yet. CDC plans to cover the cost of vaccines for all states.

“We are reaching out to our healthcare and education partners throughout the state to make sure we can immunize New Mexicans from H1N1 and seasonal flu,” said Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD. “We recognize that we’re asking the public to take the time to protect themselves from two different strains of influenza this year. We are trying to plan clinics statewide that are convenient for people.”

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This article was posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 10:19 pm

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