1. HIGH RISK RESTRICTION LIFTED - Effective Monday, December 28, 2009, Marin County Health and Human Services has lifted the “high risk” restrictions on H1N1 vaccinations. Vaccinations are now available to everyone.

2. H1N1 VACCINATIONS BY APPOINTMENT – HHS will continue to hold free H1N1 vaccination clinics by appointment only. Two clinics are available this week: on Tuesday, December 29th (from 8 am to noon) and on Thursday, December 31st (from 8 am to noon). The clinics will continue throughout the month of January 2010 on Tuesdays (from 8 am to noon) and Thursdays (from 8 am to noon and from 1 pm to 5 pm). All clinics will be located at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus at 3260 Kerner Boulevard in San Rafael. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 415/473-6007.

3. OTHER H1N1 VACCINATION OPTIONS - H1N1 vaccinations will also be available later this week, or next week at local Walgreens and Safeway store pharmacies, as well as the Ross Valley Pharmacy. Additional pharmacies may be added in January. Vaccine availability can be confirmed by visiting www.marinflu.org or by contacting the pharmacies directly. Healthcare providers who have a pending December order for vaccine will receive it this week and additional orders will continue to be filled in January.

4. IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET VACCINATED - While there are signs that flu activity is decreasing, it is still widespread in California and the CDC expects flu activity to continue for months. There is an important window of opportunity to get protected against a possible third wave of the H1N1 flu.

5. REMINDER! YOUNG CHILDREN NEED A SECOND DOSE – Parents are reminded that young children, age 9 and under, who received the H1N1 vaccine need a second dose, and must wait at least 21 days after the first injection. Parents should contact their medical provider or call the hotline for more information.

6. PREVENTION IS STILL CRITICAL – Flu activity remains widespread in California. We can all help minimize germs and protect ourselves and families with FIVE SIMPLE STEPS: * Get Vaccinated* Wash Your Hands* Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes* Stay Home When You’re Sick* Keep Informed & Share the News – get the latest updates on flu and vaccine information at www.marinflu.org

7. THE H1N1 INFORMATION HOTLINE IS ANSWERED 24/7 - If you need more information about the H1N1 flu, the vaccine or the free vaccination clinics, please call the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services at 473-6823. This number is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

8. FLU ACTIVITY MAY OCCUR in “WAVES”· The timing, spread and severity of influenza viruses is uncertain.·

• Outbreaks of influenza may occur in different places in the U.S. and around the world at different times.·
• Outbreaks may occur in waves of about 6-12 week time periods.·
• These waves of influenza may occur over a year or so after the emergence of a new influenza virus.· In past pandemics, “waves” of activity have been observed.·
• The first wave is usually a smaller wave; followed by a larger “peak” wave. Subsequent smaller waves can occur as well.·
• The United States experienced its first wave of 2009 H1N1 pandemic activity in the spring of 2009.· The second wave of 2009 H1N1 activity has peaked and is declining.·
• Even after flu activity peaks during the current wave, it’s possible that other waves of influenza activity may occur – caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses.·
• Because the timing and spread of influenza viruses are unpredictable, CDC is continuing to recommend vaccination with seasonal influenza vaccine and 2009 H1N1 vaccine for those people for whom it is usually recommended.