Citizens bare arms against flu
County Health Dept., Providence schedule vaccination clinics during November

Photos by Kirby Neumann-Rea
Walt Kuykendall of Hood River came for a flu shot, courtesy of nurse Betty Williams, at the Health Department’s clinic Thursday at Hood River County Fairgrounds. Walt’s wife, Toby, in background,
prepares for her shot.

News staff writer
November 4, 2006

Hood River County Health Department along with other state, regional, and local agencies are working to prepare for and respond to major public health emergencies.

In preparation for Oregon’s statewide pandemic flu response, the Hood River County Health Department will exercise the Pandemic Influenza Plan and Point of Dispensing Plan in the Mid-Columbia region.

As part of this planning effort, the Hood River County Health Department will offer to the general public flu shots at mass vaccination clinics in early November.

This year there will be no Influenza vaccinations given at the Health Department prior to the mass vaccination clinics. Following the mass vaccination clinics on Nov. 1-2, influenza vaccine, including Intranasal FluMist will be available at the Hood River County Health Department only in combination with a routine immunization visit. The Hood River County Health Department encourages those children between the ages of 5 and 18 who are eligible receive the available mist form of the flu vaccination.

Health Department workers and volunteers stand ready to assist the community at clinics this month. Front row, from left, are: Joana Avila, health services assistant; Tina Magaña, health services assistant; Jenny Chairez, Women Infant and Children (WIC) certifier; Rosa Castro, WIC certifier; back row, from left, Lilia Quezeda, office specialist; volunteer Tina Murphy; volunteer Bob Wymore; Ruth Henshaw, billing clerk;
volunteer Sandi Rousseau.

The administrative cost for vaccination at the Hood River County Health Department is $15. Payment in full is expected at time of service. Insurance carriers will be billed only if the client co-pay is less than $15 and their insurance card is presented at the time of vaccination.

Please see the list of available community Flu Shot Clinics below:

Here is the flu shot clinic schedule:
Nov. 3— Hood River Senior Center, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 9, — Cascade Locks Senior Center, noon to 2 p.m.
Nov. 9,— Cascade Locks School, 2. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 14,—Parkdale Fire Department, 3 to 6 p.m.

In cooperation with Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Mobile Clinics:
Nov. 7— LDS Church, May Street at 18th, 4 to 6 p.m.
Nov. 7 — Hawks Ridge, 1795 8th St. noon to 3 p.m.
Nov.6 — Pine Grove Fire Department, 2 to 5 p.m.

The peak flu season for our area is December through February. The best way to avoid getting or spreading the flu is to get a flu shot. Everyone can reduce their risk of developing or spreading influenza, colds, and other disease by:
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow.
Wash your hands often.
Stay home if you are sick.
Get a flu shot.
For more information, please call the Hood River County Health Department at (541) 386-1115.