H1N1 Vaccine at Williams Health Care Center
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the H1N1 vaccine and virus at Williams Health Care Center:
Question: Do you have the H1N1 vaccine?
Answer: We do have a limited amount of the vaccine that we are administering to high-risk individuals. Like all other health facilities, we do not have a definite date of arrival for additional supply.
Question: Can I come in to get the vaccine?
Answer: We are currently accepting appointments for our first flu shot clinic scheduled on Wednesday, Dec. 2. We will follow CDC guidelines to administer the vaccine first to the targeted populations of:
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Pregnant Women
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Children aged six months to age 4
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Children aged 5-18 years with a chronic medical condition
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People who live with or care for children younger than six months
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Health care and emergency services medical workers with direct patient care
As the supply of the vaccine becomes more readily available, we will schedule more clinics and move to a wider priority group for the H1N1 vaccine. Appointments are required, call Williams Health Care Center at 928-635-4441. All future flu shot clinics will be scheduled as vaccine supplies as allow.
Question: When can I get the vaccine if I’m not in these groups?
Answer: Please check with Coconino County Health Department website as they are in charge of distributing the vaccine to area clinics. They will post current availability. You can watch the Williams-Grand Canyon News or give us a call back for updates. Like all other health facilities, we do not know the exact shipment dates and supply levels of this vaccine. As it becomes available to us, we will do our best to let the public know and vaccinate following CDC guidelines.
Question: What is the cost of getting the vaccine? Answer: The vaccine itself is provided to us at no cost, however; there is a $20 administration fee for giving the vaccine. Please bring your current insurance card and picture ID to the flu shot appointment. Appointments can be obtained by calling Williams Health Care Center at 928--635-4441.
Question: If I think I’ve had H1N1, should I still get the vaccine? Should I get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 if I have had flu-like illness since the spring2009?
The symptoms of influenza (flu-like illnesses) are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses. Specific testing, called "RT-PCR test," is to tell if the virus you have is truly H1N1. This test is different from rapid flu tests that doctors can do in their offices. Since most people with flu-like illnesses will not be tested with RT-PCR this season, the majority will not know whether they have been infected with 2009 H1N1 flu or a different virus.
Therefore, if you were ill but do not know if you had 2009 H1N1 infection, it is at your and your doctors discretion if you should get vaccinated.
So, most people recommended for 2009 H1N1 vaccination should be vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine regardless of whether they had a flu-like illness earlier in the year. If you have had 2009 H1N1 flu, as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity against 2009 H1N1 flu and can choose not to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. However, vaccination of a person with some existing immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be harmful. For more information on flu tests, see Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2009-2010 Flu Season.
Question: Should I still get a “regular” (seasonal) flu shot?
Answer: Any immunity from 2009 H1N1 influenza infection or vaccination will not provide protection against seasonal influenza. All people who want protection from seasonal flu should still get their seasonal influenza vaccine.
Question: Does my doctor want me to have the vaccine?
Answer: You may want to visit with your doctor if you have any questions regarding the vaccine. Other information can be found at:
