Residents must make phone call to set up appointment

BY BETH VELLIQUETTE

bvelliquette@heraldsun.com; 419-6632

HILLSBOROUGH -- The H1N1 flu vaccination is now available to the general public through the Orange County Health Department.

Previously, only certain groups of people were eligible to get the vaccine through the Health Department, but there is now enough vaccine for everyone, said agency spokesperson Donna King.

"We're continuing to receive regular shipments from the state," King said. "We want to get the vaccine out to the public as quickly as possible."

Residents who want to receive the vaccine must make an appointment through a call center that the county is using to handle the appointment process, King said. The number is 1-888-252-3001.

H1N1 flu vaccines are free.

"We do have December appointments that are open and available," King said. "We've got enough vaccine on hand to carry us through New Year's."

No vaccines will be given from Dec. 24 through Dec. 28.

As of Dec. 4, the Health Department has provided 1,462 LAIV (mist) doses of vaccine and 1,959 doses of inactivated (injectable) vaccine.

At UNC, which keeps track of the number of people who seek medical help for flu-like symptoms at Campus Health Services, the number of cases peaked at 343 in September. The week ending Dec. 5 had the second-lowest number of cases since school started with just 22 cases.

That doesn't necessarily mean the H1N1 virus has run its course, King said. In a typical flu season, the virus comes in waves with peaks and valleys, she said.

Kerr Drug at 1106 Environ Way at the East 54 Plaza in Chapel Hill is offering the H1N1 vaccine for people over the age of 14 for $19.70. For more information as to times and dates go to: http://www.kerrdrug.com/h1n1.php.

CVS Pharmacy at its store at 11314 U.S. 15-501 also is offering the vaccine. For more information, go to: http://www.minuteclinic.com/en/USA/NC/Raleigh-Durham/Chapel-Hill.aspx.

People also may check with their personal physicians to determine whether they have the vaccine available.

For questions about the H1N1 vaccine or the flu, people may call the Orange County Health Department's Flu Nurse Line at (919) 605-2051.

For more information about the flu and the vaccine, go to: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/health/h1n1.asp.