The vaccines are available to children and adults at the Commonwealth Health Center and private clinics.
During yesterday’s press briefing, Public Health immunization program manager Mariana Coats said the first batch of 1,000 doses for the seasonal flu or annual flu shot was targeted for children six months to four years old, but adults can avail of the vaccine shots after another 2,000 doses arrived this week.
Coats said they are expecting the third batch of vaccines which contain 4,000 doses next week. The vaccines are federally funded through the Vaccinations for Children Program.
“The annual flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu and an important factor in minimizing the risk and severity of flu infection,” Coats said.
She said when the third batch of flu vaccines arrive, this will be more than enough for the CNMI.
The annual flu shots are available at any of the following locations: the children’s clinic at CHC, the Southern Community Wellness Center in San Antonio, the Medical Associates of the Pacific at Dr. Ada’s Clinic, the Marianas Medical Center, the Saipan Health Clinic, the Tinian Health Center and the Rota Health Center.
Coats said the vaccines are free, but the private clinics may charge the patients administrative fees.
She said they are working with public and private schools so they can administer the vaccine shots to students who have consent forms from their parents.
For more information about flu and flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or call 234-8950 or 236-8703.
