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Show Garfield County Clinics Set Swine Flu Immunization Special swine flu influenza immunization clinlci will be held in Garfield County by the Southwestern Utah District Health Department. In the following communities at the following times: Panguitch, Nov. 2, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the social hall. Tropic, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the LDS church. Escalante, Nov. 3, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the LDS church. This Immunization will be followed on Nov. 2 and 3 and Dec. 1 and 2 for those ages 18 through 64. Locations and times for these clinics will be scheduled later. Dr. David Trafton, medical director of the district health department has reported that once every 10 years or so, Influenza viruses undergo a major change and a pandemic (worldwide epidemic) results because few, if any people have immunity to the new virus. The Asian flu of 1957-58 resulting In 43 million cases and 70,000 deaths and the Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 affecting 50 million people and causing 33,000 deaths are examples of pandemics caused by major changes in the flu virus. The virus identified in the epidemic at Fort Dix, N.J. last spring was previously only present in "swine" and closely resembles the "Spanish" flu virus which caused the 1918-19 pandemic which took a worldwide death toll of more than 20 million. Half a million of these deaths were in the U.S. and many of these fatalities occurred among apparently healthy young men and women. Although there is no absolute proof, some national influenza specialists believe that the "New Jersey" virus is the same one which caused the terrible pandemic in 1918-19 and has been kept alive in the Swine, population for nearly 60 years. Another 1918 might be in the making for this winter, even though antibiotics and other medical advances would be able to prevent certain complications. The new vaccines have been extensively tested during the summer and found to be from 70-90 percent effective In persons age 24 and older. They are somewhat less effective in the 18-24 age group and a booster dose is required under age 18. These new vaccines are purer, more potent and produce a higher degree of protection with fewer adverse reactions compared to previous flu vaccines. The vaccine is prepared from a dead virus and cannot cause influenza. Some persons (not more than 25 percent) will have some transient swelling, redness or tenderness at the injection site. A few (l or 2 percent) will have some low fever, headache or muscle aches for 24 to 48 hours. More serious reactions are extremely rare. A 20 minute slide-tape presentation (using 35 milimeter slides in a kodak carousel and a standard cassette) is available on loan to any public or private group or organization who will show it to an interested audience. It is available from I la Mae Rhynsburger, R.N. Project Coordinator 673-9691 or through your local Health Department Office. The National Influenza Immunization Program is now underway. Dr. Trafton, advises that the earliest vaccine available will be the bivalent type designed for "High Risk" persons and will be distributed primarily to private physicians for their "special high risk" patients. Health department staff will also be prepared to provide immunizations in nursing homes in the district The vaccine designed for the general population will arrive in time for the public clinics which start on October 18, In Hurricane. Both types of vaccine will be available at these clinics and Dr. Trafton and other physicians will be available to assist persons to decide which vaccine they should receive. Generally only those persons who are over 65 years of age or suffering from chronic heart, or lung or kidney disease or diabetes need to, receive the "bivalent" vaccine. t All others should receive the, "monovalent" vaccine. The medical scree ners at the public clinics will assist persons who" are not certian of their requirements. |