SENIORS' FLU SHOTS BRING PEACE OF MIND.Byline: Dana Bartholomew Staff Writer For two months, Victoria Aldrete has rung up doctors, pharmacies and local clinics trying in vain to find a flu shot. On Tuesday, she finally got the protection she was looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. - and some peace of mind. ``I am very happy,'' said Aldrete, 76, of Pacoima, minutes before getting a free influenza influenza or flu, acute, highly contagious disease caused by a virus; formerly known as the grippe. There are three types of the virus, designated A, B, and C, but only types A and B cause more serious contagious infections. vaccination vaccination, means of producing immunity against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, by the introduction of live, killed, or altered antigens that stimulate the body to produce antibodies against more dangerous forms. at the Pacoima Health Center. ``I was very worried. But no more. I'll have my shot.'' The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) in Los Angeles County's department providing public and personal health services to the over 10 million residents in the County. this month began inoculating high-risk people only, because of a national vaccine shortage. But supplies have been short and many elderly and ill patients have not been able to get shots. This week, state health officials announced that about 290,000 doses will be distributed to private doctors and hospitals in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. County. Two-thirds of the doses will be shipped to local health care providers in the next few weeks. The remainder will be sent in January. Roughly 17,000 doses of vaccine are still available at public health clinics, which this fall weren't expected to dispense dispense /dis·pense/ (-pens´) to prepare medicines for and distribute them to their users. dis·pense v. To prepare and give out medicines. shots. ``This is good news,'' said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the county's health officer. ``Within the next few weeks, those people who didn't have the vaccine can have it.'' At least 35,000 people received flu shots the past two Saturdays. This week, 12 clinics across the county are accepting high-risk patients. Only seniors, children and those with chronic medical conditions See carpal tunnel syndrome, computer vision syndrome, dry eyes and deep vein thrombosis. qualify for flu shots. Proof of age, such as a driver's license Noun 1. driver's license - a license authorizing the bearer to drive a motor vehicle driver's licence, driving licence, driving license license, permit, licence - a legal document giving official permission to do something , or a prescription or pill bottle related to a chronic illness, or doctor's note, will suffice. In Pacoima, at least a dozen residents lined up for shots when the clinic doors opened Tuesday. ``I've been waiting for (a shot) since the first of October - even my doctor didn't have it,'' said John C. Riley Sr., 76, of Lake View Terrace, who was at the door at 6 a.m., two hours before the clinic opened. ``That's relief now.'' Dana Bartholomew, (818) 713-3730 dana.bartholomew(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) John C. Riley Sr. gets his flu shot at the Pacoima Health Clinic. Riley, 76, who arrived at the clinic hours before it opened Tuesday, said he had been waiting for nearly two months. (2) A nurse at the Pacoima Health Clinic prepares a flu shot Tuesday. John McCoy/Staff Photographer |
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