Free! H1N1 Flu Vaccinations
Washington Urgent Care is offering free H1N1 flu vaccines to all members of the community. It is available at the Washington Urgent Care Clinic located at 2500 (two- five- zero- zero) Mowry Avenue, Suite 212 (two twelve) Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. H1N1 vaccine is also being offered through the Washington On Wheels (W.O.W) Mobile Health Clinic. Please visit the W.O.W. mobile health clinic link under the Community Connections Section. for locations and times or call (510) 608-3203 for the schedule. Vaccine is available free of charge and is available for anyone ages 6 months and up.

To find out about H1N1 vaccine availability and other information on H1N1, please call our pre-recorded information line at (510) 505-5424.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the disease's threat lies in its contagious nature. Swine flu is thought to spread in a manner similar to that of the common flu, through human contact such as coughing or sneezing. The disease also spreads through contact on surfaces, most commonly cafeteria tables, doorknobs or desks. One with swine flu is contagious one day prior to becoming sick and up to seven or more days after.

H1N1 Vaccine Recall Announcement
The following is important information related to a non-safety recall affecting some of the H1N1 pediatric vaccine:
The recall announced on December 15, 2009, by the FDA involves about 800,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur for children 6 to 35 months. There are no safety issues associated with the recall, rather the recall is the result of testing completed after the release of the vaccine which indicated that the vaccine has lost some of its strength or potency, which rendered it less effective in combating the H1N1 virus. Parents of children who received vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to take any action, other than to complete the two-dose immunization series if not already completed. Washington Hospital did receive some of the recalled vaccine and Hospital staff are in the process of notifying the parents of children who may have received it so that arrangements can be made to provide a follow up dose of the vaccine 21 to 30 days after the original dose was given. 

To find out the latest information about H1N1 vaccine availability and other information on H1N1, please call our pre-recorded information line at (510) 505-5424.

Fact Sheet for Patients: Understanding Cepheid Xpert Flu A Panel Test Results
Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers: Interpreting Cepheid Xpert Flu A Panel Test Results

The Alameda County Public Health Department is providing no-cost H1N1 vaccinations to uninsured residents who are at the highest risk of complications from exposure to the H1N1 virus.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about both the H1N1 Influenza Vaccine in both the injectible (shot) form as well as the Live Attenuated (H1N1 Flu Mist for swine flu) can be found below in the links below.

Vaccine information sheet - Nasal Spray Vaccine ("flu mist")
Vaccine information sheet - Injectible ("flu shot")

To find out more information about H1N1 vaccine availability, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site at www.cdc.gov or the Alameda County Department of Public Health’s web site at www.acphd.org. You may also call Washington Hospital’s Health Connection hotline at (800) 963-7070 or visit the Hospital’s web site at www.whhs.com

Learn Simple Steps to Protect Yourself and Others - Click on the links below to download important flu prevention information.

• Reduce the Spread of Flu in the Home
• Take Time to Get Vaccinated - (Washington Urgent Care offers flu shots)
• Take Preventive Actions
• Preparing Your Business for the Flu

Is the H1N1 virus contagious?
The CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

How to Protect Yourself and Prevent Others From Getting the Flu
To keep yourself healthy and free of swine flu, wash your hands continuously and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently.  Hands may be washed with soap and hot water or with hand gels containing alcohol to kill viruses and germs. You should avoid close contact with people who are sick and maintain a healthy lifestyle filled with sufficient sleep, physical activity and a well-balanced diet.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009

For more information about the flu (including the swine flu), visit these web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/swineflu
• California Department of Public Health www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx
• Alameda County Department of Public Health www.acphd.org/