Health Department conducts Mass Vaccination Exercise: Free flu shots will be offered to public

The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment (EPCDHE) is exercising flu prevention measures and emergency preparedness all in one setting. On Sat, Dec 9, EPCDHE will conduct a mass vaccination exercise at the Skyview Middle School, 6350 Windom Peak Blvd., from 10 am - Noon. El Paso County residents are encouraged to attend this full-scale emergency preparedness exercise titled Operation Vaccinate, which will include free flu vaccinations for participants—while supplies are available.

“This is a win-win opportunity for both the Health Department and our community,” says Kandi Buckland, deputy administrator for EPCDHE. “Residents who still need a flu shot will receive free vaccinations in exchange for their participation in this emergency exercise that will help us prepare for a possible wide-scale public health crisis, such as pandemic flu. Our objective is to administer 600 flu vaccine doses over the course of a few hours—including processing and vaccination delivery time.”

Note: Operation Vaccinate will provide flu vaccine to persons 9 years of age and older, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Free flu shots will be offered on a first come, first served basis until vaccine supplies are gone. Questions about Operation Vaccinate can be directed to the El Paso County Health Department at (719) 575-8521. A flyer containing information on Operation Vaccinate is included with this advisory.

The El Paso County Health Department stresses that the month of December is still an ideal time to get a flu shot since the typical flu season runs through May, and flu cases usually peak in the months of February and March. Common flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches and upset stomach. Complications from the flu range from ear and sinus infections to more serious conditions such as pneumonia and heart failure.

Public Health officials strongly recommend flu vaccinations for the following individuals who are at a high-risk for complications from the flu:

- People 50 years of age and older
- Children ages 6 months until their 5th birthday
- Adults and children with a chronic disease such as diabetes or chronic disorders of the lung and heart
- People who are immune compromised due to HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system
- Anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatments
- Residents of nursing homes and other extended care facilities
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
- Health care workers

For additional flu information, prevention measures and local vaccine clinic information, access: El Paso County Department of Health and Environment website: www.elpasocountyhealth.org

Colorado Influenza and Pneumococcal Alert Coalition (CIPAC) website: www.immunizecolorado.com

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Helpline: (877)-462-2911

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