Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department has announced an additional H1N1 flu vaccination clinic for priority populations.
At this time, H1N1 vaccine will only be given to the following priority populations based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s CDC:
—Pregnant women (All pregnant women require a written doctor’s order to receive the vaccine)
—Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age
—Healthcare and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel (Individuals in these groups wanting to receive the vaccine must present: 1) a valid picture identification (ID) badge from their healthcare or EMS employer, 2) a valid healthcare/EMS employee ID badge and another form of photo ID, or 3) be included on a list of employees from their healthcare or EMS employer, which must be on official office letterhead or the employer’s script paper, and have a photo ID.)
—All people from six months through 24 years of age
—Persons 25 to 64 who are at higher risk for flu complications due to chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
These clinics will be conducted by Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department staff,
The H1N1 vaccine will be given on a first come, first serve basis and will be free of charge.
Both nasal spray and injectable H1N1 vaccine will be offered, if available.
As we vaccinate those most at risk for complications from H1N1, we ask for the public’s cooperation and patience. Once those who are most at risk are vaccinated and upon approval of CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health, vaccine will be offered to healthy persons 25 through 64 years of age and to all those age 65 and older. It is anticipated there will be enough vaccine in the coming weeks for anyone who wants it.
Research shows that adults over the age of 65 have a stronger immunity to the H1N1 flu virus than younger individuals. It is suspected that older adults have been exposed to a past influenza strain, similar to the present novel H1N1 flu strain, that may have provided some immunity for the older adult population.
If you are ill or experiencing flu-like symptoms, we ask that you not come to the vaccine clinics.
Another clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the West Frankfort Aquatic Center located at 1100 East Cleveland Street in West Frankfort. The clinic will be conducted in the Banquet Hall of the Aquatic Center. Please enter through the west entrance.
A third clinic will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Herrin Elementary School gymnasium located at 5200 Herrin Road in Herrin.
For more information, visit www.flu.gov or www.bicountyhealth.org, or call 439-0951 or 618-993-8111.
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