H1N1 vaccine readily available

Summer Crosby

Back in November, Peggy Stevens, Director of the Mineral County Health Department, said that they had a great response at a mass immunization clinic. With the help of nurses and volunteers, 256 people received the H1N1 vaccine in less than four hours. Recently the clinic, which is held on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or by appointment, only sees about five individuals. Stevens said she wants to encourage those who haven’t received the shot to come in.

“We have plenty of supply right now and it is open to anyone who would like to receive a vaccination,” Stevens said. “We would encourage children nine years and younger who need their second shot to come in and get that done.”

Stevens said that the majority of children on their lists received their first shot, but have yet to come in and receive their second. She said it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and American Pediatrics that children nine years old and younger receive two shots, typically a month apart.

Although we’re halfway through the winter, it’s still important to receive the vaccination because flu season typically lasts until the end of May and often peaks during February and March.

“It’s very important to continue to protect yourself with immunizations,” Stevens stressed. “There haven’t been any H1N1 cases or seasonal flu case reported yet. We can’t say it’s done. Influenza is a very unpredictable disease so one year could look one way and then the next year it looks the other way.”

And while H1N1 seems to have fallen off the radar, Stevens’ stresses that people still need to come out and get the vaccination.

“I just want to stress that people come and receive the vaccination still, that children nine years or younger come to receive their second shot,” she said. “It’s not too late to get the H1N1. We’re still providing it and have plenty of vaccines. It’s open to all groups, to anybody who is interested. And also, you can call for an appointment if you are unable to come from 8 to 12.”

To make an appointment call 822-3564. Clinics are held in the basement of the Tamarack Clinic.