Clinics for H1N1 shots are planned in Monroe County
10/27/2009TEMPERANCE - Hoping to have a sufficient supply of the H1N1 vaccine available, Monroe County health officials have scheduled immunization clinics for November and December.
Dr. Rebecca Head, health officer of the Monroe County Health Department, said the agency's plan to host seven clinics is contingent on H1N1 vaccination supplies being available.
The department is receiving revaccination doses, but the weekly shipments have been irregular.
"Sometimes we don't get a shipment or we get less than what we expected," Dr. Head said.
The shot is intended to protect against H1N1, also known as swine flu.
County residents can line up to get vaccinated beginning next week.
The health clinics, which are aimed at vaccinating those most at risk for the virus, will be:
•Nov. 2 - Bedford High School, 8285 Jackman Rd., Temperance, 3:30-7 p.m.
•Nov. 5 - Dundee High School, 420 Ypsilanti St. Dundee, noon to 6 p.m.
•Nov. 7 - Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Rd., Monroe, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
•Nov. 12 - Francis Family YMCA, 2000 West Dean Rd., Temperance, noon to 6 p.m.
•Nov. 13 - Lutheran High School, 8210 North Telegraph Rd., Newport, noon to 6 p.m.
•Nov. 18 - MBT Expo Building, Monroe County Fairgrounds, 3775 South Custer Rd., Monroe, noon to 6 p.m.
•Dec. 3 - Bedford High School, 8285 Jackman Rd., Temperance, 3:30-7 p.m.
Health officials are recommending vaccinations for the following groups: pregnant women, anyone 6 months old to 24 years old, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services workers, and adults 25 to 64 years old who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from the flu.
"We will do some screening. We are not trying to deny giving anyone the vaccination. We are targeting people who will be most vulnerable. We are asking people to respect the criteria that has been established," Dr. Head said.
Dr. Head said both forms of the vaccination - nasal spray and injection - will be given at the clinics.
"The flu mist is relatively safe if you fall in a particular age range and don't have underlining health conditions. We will screen for that," she said.