2-1-1 answers public's questions about H1N1 flu

 

For Immediate Release:                Contact:  Mary Sanders

                                                          (626) 350-1841 2187

 

 

 

Have Questions About H1N1?  Call 2-1-1.

 

211 LA County has answers to the most frequently asked H1N1 questions including who is high risk, preventative measures and where to get the vaccine in your area. 

 

 

With flu season underway and increasing numbers of H1N1 cases being reported, many people have questions or concerns about the virus and are unsure where to turn for help.  In Los Angeles County, a variety of questions about H1N1 – including up-to-date information about where to get the vaccine – can be answered by dialing one simple number: 2-1-1.

 

2-1-1 is a free, confidential easy to remember phone number available 24 hrs a day, 7 days  a week that connects Los Angeles County residents to essential community information and services such as healthcare, rent and mortgage assistance, food and shelter, job training, transportation, childcare, senior care, veteran services and much more.

 

211 LA County in collaboration with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is ready to provide callers with the most up-to-date information about the virus and vaccine, including where and when the vaccine will be available. This allows 2-1-1 to serve as a central clearing house of information on the virus and helps eliminate the number of calls residents would otherwise make to find help.

 

People are understandably concerned about H1N1 and can become frustrated when they aren’t sure where to call for the latest information.  Rather than a recording, people who call 211 LA County will reach a real person who can help answer questions, including finding out if the caller is in one of the priority groups for receiving the vaccine, where the vaccine is available, the typical symptoms of H1N1 and what can be done to prevent contracting it. 

 

211 LA County is able to provide services in 140 languages and to the hearing impaired population.  211 LA County can also help get information out to the harder to reach populations in our community.”

 

Already this year, 2-1-1 LA County has handled 4,203 calls regarding the H1N1 virus and expects those numbers to continue to grow as flu season gets underway.  For further information on 211 LA County please check our website at 211LACounty.org.