"We need to put those most at risk first," said Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. "Given the limited amount of vaccine received to date, we’re seeing incredible cooperation with partners who are sharing their supply to put the most vulnerable of the higher at-risk groups first." England specifically cited Mollen Clinics, which has contributed vaccine originally identified for use at upcoming school based clinics for this event, and generously shared it with the other private partners involved. With less than a day's notice, CIGNA agreed to use some of their clinic sites and have called in staff who were not scheduled to work on Saturday. Scottsdale Healthcare was the first to commit to opening a public clinic despite limited vaccine supplies.

"I am really proud of these private providers and their commitment to our community," England said.

The H1N1 flu has been in the Valley since last April, and has been rapidly spreading in the past few weeks. MCDPH and other valley healthcare partners have been working hard to get the word out to our community about the seriousness of infection, especially for young children, pregnant women, and children who have underlying chronic health conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified pregnant women, those who live with and care for infants younger than 6 months old, children age 6 months through 4 years of age and those up to age 18 with specific underlying conditions such as lung disease including asthma, diabetes, neurological disorders

and those with other immune-compromising conditions to be first in line for this vaccine. Dr. England explained "we are asking those with these conditions to please make arrangements and get vaccinated first...Now.

We are also asking those who do not fit these categories to please step aside and help those most at risk get vaccinated first. This means waiting until these folks have a chance to get vaccinated first. Please."

"During times of crisis, the community comes together to help each other," England said. "I am confident that people will step aside to allow the most vulnerable of the vulnerable to be protected first. We’re all going to do the right thing."

Priority HIGH RISK groups to receive vaccine Saturday:

***Injectable vaccine and Flu Mist will be available at all locations. Healthy children age 2 through 4 years of age and healthy people who live with andor care for infants younger than 6 months of age may receive Flu Mist.

WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2009 –specific hours per clinic

LOCATIONS: SEE ATTACHED

BRING: All Immunization Records

PUBLIC INFO: www.fluaz.org