Media Advisory

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October 19, 2004

What

A health emergency announcement_* in English and Spanish about the flu vaccine shortage, who qualifies for the limited flu vaccine and how to avoid getting and spreading the flu.

Who

Dr. William Walker, Director of Contra Costa Health Services and the County Health Officer, provides valuable information to Contra Costa residents.

Where

The four-minute videotaped announcements are being broadcast on Contra Costa Television (CCTV), the county TV station. CCTV is Channel 27 on all cable systems except for Comcast subscribers in Walnut Creek, who watch on Channel 19, and Astound Cable subscribers who can watch on Channel 32.

When

The announcement will run frequently on CCTV most hours, generally at the beginning of the hour.

Why

"We know people everywhere, especially older people, are very concerned about getting the flu vaccine. The county health department is hoping to receive additional flu vaccine for adults. In the meantime, we want to give people suggestions about how to prevent the flu from spreading once the flu season begins," says Dr. Walker.

How

To get more information about flu prevention activities, call the CCHS Public Health Emergency Hotline at 888-959-9911 or log on to cchealth.org.

_* A script of the announcement is available online.

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