Boulder County’s health department today said it will offer H1N1 vaccination widely to the public, provided recipients are at least 6 months old.
“Responses from health care providers, counties around Boulder and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment indicated they felt they had given it (the vaccine) to the priority group populations” helped trigger the decision to begin offering innoculation to the broad public, said Boulder County health department spokeswoman Chana Goussetis.
The once coveted vaccine was originally reserved for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, medical personnel, those under 64 years who were less likely to face complications from the vaccine, young children and those who work with young children.
“We are still seeing some pockets that may need to prioritize (the vaccine),” said Margaret Huffman, public health nurse consultant with CDPH’s immunization program.
“But, under our guidance it is open to everybody, that means there is flexibility at the local level in case they see a high demand for the vaccine,” she said.
Denver Public Health announced earlier this week it would also offer H1N1 vaccines to anyone who wanted an inoculation.
Both Denver and Boulder County health departments are offering free shots to anyone, regardless of their city or county of residence.
Though Boulder County received 30,700 doses just this week, Goussetis worries that because case numbers have dropped, people will choose not to be vaccinated.
“It’s very possible we’ll see a resurgence in the new year with people traveling and spending time together,” she said. “People should still get vaccinated,” she added.
Though CDPH’s new stance recommends that health care providers make the vaccination available to all individuals as supplies allow, they advise certain individuals should not get the vaccination.
People allergic to eggs; persons who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccination; people who got Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine, and children less than 6 months of age should not be vaccinated, the CDPH said in a statement.
People with questions about H1N1 are encouraged to call CO HELP at 1-877-462-2911 or visit . For details about where to find a H1N1 flu vaccination clinic near you, visit .
Victoria Barbatelli: 303-954-1698 or vbarbatelli@denverpost.com
