Local and state government are bracing for the impact that budget cuts will have on services to the public.  The Snohomish County Council and members of the State Legislature met this week to discuss budget shortfalls and the legislative agenda for the 2010 session of the Washington State Legislature.

"This was a great opportunity for the county to talk to our legislators about the issues that matter most to our constituents," said Councilmember Dave Gossett.

The goal of the meeting was to discuss and create a legislative agenda that is endorsed by elected officials and is adopted and supported by local and regional elected officials.  The council identified several priorities for the upcoming session.

"One of our top priorities is for the state to give the county more flexibility with existing county revenues," said Gossett.  "We need to be able to use the dollars we have for the most important services."

Some of the other identified priorities include:

·         Providing adequate funding for public health

·         Promoting the aerospace industry

·         Funding for major transportation projects including US 2 and State Route 522

·         Continued funding for auto theft enforcement

·         Moving forward with a four year university in Snohomish County

"I really appreciate the fact that our legislators took the time to meet with us," said Gossett.  "Working together will help continue vital services during this economic crisis.

Local health officials expect an initial, small supply of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine to arrive in Snohomish County within three weeks.  The first shipment of up to 6,000 doses is designated to immunize health care workers and frontline emergency workers.  Vaccine in subsequent shipments will be offered to people who are most at risk of complications from H1N1 illness.

The county expects to receive up to 130,000 additional doses of H1N1 vaccine before the end of November.  The nationwide distribution of vaccine is overseen by the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.  Locally, it will be distributed through area pharmacies, doctors' offices, and at least a dozen special mass immunization clinics in cities throughout the county.

There will be enough vaccine for everyone, but supplies will be limited at first.

CDC recommends the H1N1 vaccine for:

·         Health care & emergency services workers

·         Pregnant women

·         Caregivers & household contacts of children younger than six months

·         People age six months to 24 years

·         People age 25 to 64 years with health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from the flu

"Immunizing the community is a major task but the entire health care community has stepped up and pulled together to develop a plan for Snohomish County," said Councilmember Gossett.  "Many hours have been dedicated to figuring out how to deliver this unprecedented volume of vaccine quickly to those who need it the most."

The goal is to vaccinate 100,000 county residents by Thanksgiving.  Vaccination is only one of several important strategies to cut down on the spread of disease.

"Cover your sneeze in your sleeve, cover your coughs, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you are sick," added Gossett.

Seasonal influenza strikes the elder population more severely than other age groups. H1N1 flu sickens younger people age 6 months to 24 years.  Some deaths occur every year from both types of flu, but most people recover within a week with no complications.

Find more information about seasonal and H1N1 flu and for times and dates of immunization sites go to www.snocoflu.com or call 425-388-5088.