WORTH TAKING A SHOT THOSE AT RISK FOR FLU LINE UP FOR A DOSE OF PREVENTION.Byline: Brent Hopkins Staff Writer Braving rain and cold, thousands of flu-fearing residents formed long lines In communications, circuits that are capable of handling transmissions over long distances. at free clinics Saturday as county health officials began doling out influenza vaccines to high-risk groups for the first time this flu season
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. , which has more than 91,000 doses on hand for infirm INFIRM. Weak, feeble. 2. When a witness is infirm to an extent likely to destroy his life, or to prevent his attendance at the trial, his testimony de bene esge may be taken at any age. 1 P. Will. 117; see Aged witness.; Going witness. and elderly patients, opened 16 clinics across the county Saturday and will do the same next Saturday. Heavy turnout indicated many people don't want to risk being caught without the coveted cov·et v. cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets v.tr. 1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's). See Synonyms at envy. 2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire. inoculation inoculation, in medicine, introduction of a preparation into the tissues or fluids of the body for the purpose of preventing or curing certain diseases. The preparation is usually a weakened culture of the agent causing the disease, as in vaccination against . ``Once we're told there's a shortage, people tend to panic,'' said Jorge Urquizu, a public health nurse with DHS DHS Department of Homeland Security (USA) DHS Department of Human Services DHS Department of Health Services DHS Demographic and Health Surveys DHS Dirhams (Morocco national currency) at a North Hollywood clinic. ``I was here at 6 a.m., and there were already 20 people in line.'' A wait of three hours on rain-slicked streets didn't deter people anxious to receive one of the 1,000 doses of vaccine at the clinic. Frances Sturdivan, 78, who is prone to upper respiratory infections Noun 1. upper respiratory infection - infection of the upper respiratory tract respiratory infection, respiratory tract infection - any infection of the respiratory tract , parked her car two blocks away and paid for three hours worth of meter time rather than suffer through another unsuccessful attempt at her local Sav-on. ``I've been to four so far,'' the Burbank resident said, her head covered with a black hat to guard against the rain. ``There were mobs, and I couldn't get to the front. I think it's important to get these.'' Many clutched doctors' notes and proof of age while dragging folding chairs to rest during the long wait. The eligible got a hot-pink wristband wristband An identifying bracelet attached to a Pt's wrist at the time of admission to a health care facility, which may be the only identifier used during a person's stay in a hospital , the very high risk got an additional blue band to send them to the front of the line. It was one of the rare occasions where toting a portable oxygen tank was an advantage. ``I just got in because I'm 90,'' said Anna Safian, a Burbank resident with her neck enveloped en·vel·op tr.v. en·vel·oped, en·vel·op·ing, en·vel·ops 1. To enclose or encase completely with or as if with a covering: "Accompanying the darkness, a stillness envelops the city" in a scarf. ``Who wants to get the flu? I don't. I want to live as long as I can.'' Though officials say this year's flu season isn't expected to be any more deadly than others, with only one confirmed case of influenza B influenza B n. Influenza caused by infection with influenza virus type B. influenza B Infectious disease An influenza virus which causes epidemics in 3-5 yr cycles. Cf Influenza A, Influenza C. in the county, the disease still kills around 36,000 Americans each year. As such, public health organizations have asked the healthy to forgo their vaccines. The county typically has about 135,000 doses at the start of the season, and the national shortage has forced health officials to limit shots to the most needy. County health officials expect an additional 40,000 shots to become available from the state this week. They continue to emphasize that the flu season doesn't normally start until mid- to late-December. ``We are making plans for distribution of the additional vaccine for administration to the groups at highest risk,'' said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, director of public health and county health officer. ``If the vaccine is received in the next week, we anticipate having additional flu clinics as early as Tuesday, Nov. 23.'' Rather than chance it waiting for another clinic, Tricia Louvar of Calabasas elected to try at a Reseda clinic. Though only 30 years old, the writer has a baby due in five months and figured its health was worth the wait in what she termed ``the rock star line.'' She arrived at 8:30 a.m., four hours behind those first in line. ``I came here early thinking I'd be one of the first, but I ended up being one of the last,'' she said, showing off a wristband number of 1,450, dangerously close to the end of the approximately 1,500 doses available. ``Normally, I wouldn't stand in line for anything this long, but it's not for me, it's for the baby.'' Staff Writer Troy Anderson contributed to this report. Brent Hopkins, (818) 713-3738 brent.hopkins(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) People line up early - and in the rain - for a flu shot at the North Hollywood Health Center on Saturday. (2) Temme Karpf, 83, of Studio City smiles as she receives a flu shot from nurse Jesus Murillo. Tina Burch/Staff Photographer |
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