Immediate Release
September 3, 2009
Little Rock — As the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus continues to spread across the United States, Arkansas is preparing for the most ambitious vaccination effort in the state’s history. With financial support from the state and federal government, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is planning to provide protection from both the seasonal flu and the new 2009 H1N1 flu this fall.
ADH is now actively recruiting medical professionals who are authorized to administer H1N1 vaccine in Arkansas (including hospitals, clinics, pharmacists and community vaccinators). Immunization providers may pre-register their interest in receiving H1N1 vaccine and supplies (needles, syringes, sharps containers, alcohol swabs) for their health care workers and their patients. Pre-registration will allow providers to receive information about the vaccination campaign at no cost and with no obligation.
Immunization providers who are interested in being a part of this effort may pre-register on-line at the ADH website at www.healthyarkansas.com or contact the Immunization Network for Children (INC) Help Desk at 1-800-574-4040 for assistance with the pre-registration process.
The federal government currently estimates that approximately 45 million doses of H1N1 vaccine will be available for distribution beginning in mid-October and that enough vaccine may be distributed to fully meet US demand by springtime. The ADH will be responsible for directing the shipment of the vaccine and supplies in the State of Arkansas.
To find out more about the plans for flu clinics in your area, or to learn more about the flu, visit the ADH website at www.healthyarkansas.com , or go to the CDC website at WWW.flu.gov .
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