County refuses to gamble when it comes to the flu

H1N1 SPECIAL SECTION
GILPIN COUNTY - Seasonal flu shots are being offered at many locations across the state, including pharmacies and grocery stores. Most places are charging about $25. However, residents in Gilpin County are getting their shots without paying a dime.

All the traffic to the casinos in Central City and Black Hawk bring in more than just big bucks. They also bring more germs. The risk of increased exposure to the flu virus is something Gilpin County doesn't want to gamble with.

That is why the county offers seasonal flu vaccine to residents for free. The county sees it as a good preventative measure.

"We have been paying for the vaccine for at least these 10 years," County Commissioner Jeanne Nicholson said. "The more we can protect our citizens, and we have the luxury of being able to afford to, the healthier our population will be."

Gaming tax revenue allows the county to offer a number of complimentary services to residents, including free flu shots. Of course, Nicholson says despite the flow of casino cash, Gilpin County isn't immune from the tough economy.

There's a $1 million budget shortfall there.

Still, commissioners would not think of cutting the free flu shot program.

"There are certain things that...certain areas of service that we have to protect," Nicholson said.

Residents like Dorothy Paquette are just thankful that Gilpin County is feeling less financial pain that most parts of the state.

"I know we're kind of privileged living up here in some ways," Paquette said, with a chuckle. "It's a good thing that Gilpin County does for us."

Gilpin County is paying a local clinic, Mountain Family Health Center, to administer the seasonal flu shots. The clinic does check identification to make sure patients are residents of Gilpin County.

Nicholson says once the H1N1 vaccine becomes available to the public, the county will also pay for the vaccine to be administered to residents for free.