News Release
For Immediate Release: January 13, 2010
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7730
Maryland Gets Vaccinated Against a Third Wave
National Influenza Vaccination Week begins in wake of new flu-related deaths
This week, Maryland's local health departments are continuing to hold clinics or schedule appointments for free H1N1 Flu vaccinations as part of Maryland's observation of National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10 thru 16), according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). The observance is part of continuing efforts to prevent a “third wave” of more intense flu activity as Maryland enters what is traditionally the peak flu season.
“Vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and your family against a third wave of H1N1 (Swine) flu,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. " Maryland now has a plentiful supply of the vaccine so everyone who wants it can get it for free at local health departments or for a modest fee at local pharmacies. The more Marylanders who get vaccinated, the better chance we have of avoiding the third and fourth wave of flu activity that history tells us is likely."
Maryland will report two additional H1N1 Flu related deaths to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest report involves two adults, both from the Baltimore Metro Region. Personal details about these cases, including age, gender and specific jurisdiction of residence, will not be released to protect the privacy of the resident and the resident's family.
“These flu-related deaths at a time when overall flu activity has decreased simply highlights the serious nature of this disease and the need for everyone who is able to get vaccinated,” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services. “This vaccine is now available to everyone in Maryland but we continue to emphasize vaccination for anyone in the five vulnerable target populations who remain at higher risk of complications from flu.”
The Garrett County Health Department continues to hold clinics and schedule appointments for H1N1 vaccinations for all persons wishing to reduce their risk of H1N1 influenza.
Both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine will be available at the Grantsville office by appointment only on Friday, January 15, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At the Oakland office H1N1 flu vaccinations will be available at a walk-in clinic on Saturday, January 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 19, 21, and 27.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for the dates listed above, call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.
Additional future clinic dates may be scheduled, and will be advertised in the media and posted on the Health Department website at www.garretthealth.org .
H1N1 vaccine is also available from participating retailers across Maryland for a modest fee including CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Giant Food, Safeway, Shoppers, Target, Kmart and many local independent drug stores.