January 13, 2009

CDHD Offers Free Flu Shots To Vulnerable Populations

The Central District Health Department (CDHD) will be offering free flu shots to residents of the Latah Village Apartments in Boise on Friday January 16th. Latah Village is home to a significant population of individuals and families who may not ordinarily get flu shots. Public interest in getting flu shots has dwindled to almost nothing, leaving the health district with hundreds of unused doses of the seasonal flu vaccine.

“We would rather see the flu vaccine go to use than throw it away.” said Immunizations Program Manager Teresa Collins. “With flu season expected to peak in February, these folks will still get good protection against the flu.”

The flu vaccine is reformulated each year to protect against the strains of flu expected to be circulating in North America. If the vaccine goes unused it must be destroyed after June 30th. Currently CDHD has about 1000 unused doses of flu vaccine.

The Latah Village Apartments, located at 3905 W Alpine Street, Boise, caters to many refugee and other low income residents who often go without flu shots. A public health nurse will be administering vaccine in the laundry room Friday January 16th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Outreach to vulnerable populations will continue until all the vaccine is gone. The public is invited to let CDHD know of potential areas of outreach, please contact Cathy Deckys at 327-8512.