Flu Information and Flu Clinics
Contact: Roberta Rogers at 505-609-2240
San Juan Regional Medical Center will again offer free seasonal flu shots to the public in October and November. The flu shots, to be offered at seven (7) flu clinics at various places in San Juan County, will be offered on a first come-first served basis until the supply for that clinic runs out. No appointment is necessary. All the flu clinics are for adults only except the clinic offered on Tuesday November 17 at the Sycamore Center. This clinic is for adults or children age 6 months to 18 years old accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The vaccines offered at all these clinics are for the regular seasonal flu and not for the H1N1 or swine flu. Flu season typically runs from November to April, but it’s a good idea to get a flu shot early in order to build immunity before the virus arrives in the area.
San Juan Regional Medical Center provides about 1500 free vaccines every year through flu clinics as a public service.
2009 SJRMC Flu Clinic Schedule
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tues, Oct 27 Adult High Risk Only (criteria listed below) |
9:00 am | Bloomfield Senior Center 124 West Ash Street, Bloomfield |
| Wed, Oct 28 Adult High Risk Only (criteria listed below) |
9:00 am | Aztec Civic Center 101 South Park Ave., Aztec |
| Thur, Nov 5 | 9:00 am | San Juan College, Health and Human Performance Center 4601 College Blvd, Farmington |
| Sat, Nov 7 | 9:00 am | Farmington Chamber Health and Wellness Fair San Juan College HHPC 4601 College Blvd, Farmington |
| Tues, Nov 10 | 9:00 am | Lower Valley Senior Center CR 6668#17 Fruitland, NM |
| Wed, Nov 11 | 9:00 am | Salvation Army 319 West Broadway, Farmington |
| Tues, Nov 17 | 3:00 pm | Sycamore Center 1051 Sycamore St, Farmington |
Adult High Risk Criteria
(Must meet at least one of the following)
- Any person 55 years of age or older
- Have long term health problems such as:
- heart disease
- lung disease
- asthma
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- Pregnant
2009 Flu FAQ
from the healthcare professionals at San Juan Regional Medical Center
I think it's the flu. What should I do?
First of all, don't be overanxious. A lot of people may get sick during flu season, but for most, it will be like a bad cold, and will get better with time. If you think you are ill, stay home. Don’t go to work, church or go shopping. If your children are sick don’t send them to school. Sleep and fluids are what you need.
If you are a normally healthy person, don’t go to the doctor or the emergency room to find out if you have the flu. We won’t be doing routine testing.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have a severe chronic illness(like asthma, diabetes or COPD), or if you are pregnant, let your doctor know if you have flu symptoms. They may prescribe medication to help with symptoms or prevent another infection. If you or your child have significant difficulty breathing, can’t stop vomiting or keep fluids down, or have a high fever that doesn’t come down with ibuprofen, you should see a physician. Finally, if you start to get better, then get a new fever, cough, or chest pain, you should also see a doctor.
Do take ibuprofen (or give your child ibuprofen) for a high fever. Don't wait to see the doctor first.
Unless your symptoms are severe, see your family physician or go to Urgent Care. Do not go to the ER.
What will happen if I go to the emergency room?
If your symptoms are severe, do come to the ER, but don't bring those who are well with you (other than a parent bringing a sick child). The ER is a great place to catch the flu!
At the ER, you'll be asked to wait in a special section of the waiting area so we can help prevent the spread of flu to others in the waiting room who are there for non-flu related treatment.
You’ll be given a mask to wear. Please use it.
Unless you are sick enough to be admitted to the hospital, you will not be tested for the flu, and may not get any blood work or X-rays. Ibuprofen and fluids are our standard treatment.
Please be assured, however, that an ER physician will see you and will not send you home unless you are well enough to go home.
What are other common sense measures to take during flu season?
If you are ill, do not come to the hospital to visit patients. In fact, don't go to work, send your sick kids to school, go to church or go out in public.
Plan on getting vaccinated for both the regular flu (A and B) and the swine flu (H1N1), especially if you have a severe underlying illness like diabetes or COPD. Pregnant women and young children should also be vaccinated. It is NOT true that the vaccine will give you the flu, but it WILL protect you from most of the true influenza viruses.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after sneezing or coughing. Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or clean with an alcohol-based hand cleaner like Purell.
Cover your cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve instead of your hands. Put used tissue in the wastebasket.
Don't share cups, glasses or towels.
Stock up now on acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Taken as directed, they will control your fever and aches. Have plenty of soups, Gatorade, throat lozenges, and juices in your home. Most people we treat with the flu in the emergency room are dehydrated from the fever and dry air here in Farmington. You will feel better if you drink a lot of fluids.
Avoid sick people.