Bay Area Prepares for H1N1 with Shots, Masks

  KCBS Team Coverage: Bay Area H1N1 Battle

There have been more than 3,500 hospitalizations for H1N1 flu in California since the outbreak of the virus began this spring, and Department of Public Health Director Mark Horton says the state is offering more help to control the pandemic.

"We have a stockpile of over 50 million N-95 respirator masks, and our plans are to release half, or over 25 million of those," said Horton.

The respirator masks will go to local health departments, then to hospitals to protect staff and patients from the spread of the disease.

Horton adds that he knows frustration has been growing in the state, and across the country because of limited availability of a vaccine.

"We're aware that there have been some significant delays in the production and delivery of both the seasonal, and the H1n1 vaccine," said Horton.

Horton reminds the public to use good health care protocols, which include washing your hands frequently and staying home if you feel ill.

This summer the state Department of Education provided schools with guidelines about safety protocols for students.

Santa Cruz Offers Free Shots

Meanwhile, Santa Cruz County is already offering residents H1N1 shots for free on a first-come first serve basis.

The county health clinic in Santa Cruz has been packed with people looking to get vaccinated against swine flu. Cid Jones brought his son here after his family doctor ran out of the vaccine.

”I think it’s a great thing that Santa Cruz County is doing this,” said Jones. “I think it’s too bad that other county’s aren’t.”

”Right now we have been receiving small shipments and making them available to the public as soon as they come in,” said Beth Landes, spokesperson for the county's H1N1 program. The shots are only being given to residents of Santa Cruz County and only to priority groups.

(MGO)