9 days ago
STOCKTON, CA - Leaders in San Joaquin County declared an H1N1 flu emergency Tuesday.
Health department officials said in a letter to the board of supervisors that the virus threatens public health and is putting a dangerous strain on medical resources throughout the county.
Part of the letter from Director of Emergency Operations Ronald E. Baldwin said, "The fact that the virus is affecting age groups differently than normal seasonal virus strains continues to lend an aspect of uncertainty to it's continuing impact on individuals."
The statement also said, "The lack of immunity in the populace and the resultant higher than normal transmission rate is increasingly impacting this already challenged medical system."
The board approved Baldwin's recommendation, declaring an emergency, which will make it easier for county health officials to obtain resources, supplies and money to treat H1N1 patients.
County Opens H1N1 Vaccination Clinics
Meanwhile, swine flu vaccines are still available in a limited number of San Joaquin County locations for certain population groups.
The vaccine is being given out at public health offices in Stockton, and Lodi. The vaccine is available to:
- children and young adults between the ages of six months and 24 years
- pregnant women
- caregivers and household members of infants younger than six months
The Stockton location is 1601 E. Hazelton and the vaccine is available Friday from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.
The Lodi location is 300 W. Oak St. and the vaccine is available Friday from 8:30 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The vaccine is not available at public health clinics this week in Manteca or Tracy, nor will it be available to the general public for several weeks.
"The distribution overall in the United States, California and San Joaquin County is slower than what the CDC estimated," said Public Health official Dr. Wendy Dick.
She stressed the importance of taking other steps to prevent getting the H1N1 virus.
"First of all, we talk about hygiene. Wash your hands and cover your cough. If you're sick, stay home, and if you have a sick child keep that child out of school," said Dr. Dick.
by Tim Daly tdaly@news10.net
and
by Ayesha Thomas athomas@news10.net
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