After inoculating those most at risk, the Health Department plans to offer the H1N1 vaccine to the general public.
Due to a nationwide shortage, previous swine flu shot clinics and appointments were at first reserved for those most vulnerable, such as children, pregnant women, asthmatics and others with compromised immune systems.
But now everyone else can sign up for an appointment. Vaccines are free -- thanks to a federal grant.
The Health Department will continue to provide vaccines until it runs out. Appointment slots were said to be filling up quickly on Monday morning.
Due to a recent vaccine recall, pediatric preservative-free vaccine will not be given.
Pediatric doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine with preservative are available. Also available is the live virus -- given as a nasal spray. The spray can be given only to healthy people ages 2 to 49.
The Health Department also recommends that residents frequently wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay at home from work or school when ill; cover their mouth and nose with a tissue after a cough or a sneeze; avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth; eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and take vitamins; exercise; get plenty of rest; and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
The H1N1 vaccine is available only by appointment by calling 562-570-4103 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The shot is given at the Health Department's main office, 2525 Grand Ave.
Appointments may also be made online at http://lbdhhs.genbook.com
