News from the McDonough County Health Department

by Dr. Heerboth

Here is a schedule of upcoming immunization clinic dates and the criteria to be eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccines.

2009 H1N1 Vaccine and Clinic Information
for November and December 2009 (as of November 4, 2009)

When can I get the vaccine for my family or myself?

We have scheduled tentative walk-in clinic dates (no appointment needed) that include*:

November 16 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30
November 17 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30
November 23 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30
November 24 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30

December 5 at West Prairie Middle School Gym in Colchester from 2-5 PM

December 12 at Bushnell High School Cafeteria in Bushnell from 9 AM – 12 PM

December 14 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30
December 15 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30
December 17 at McDonough County Health Department from 9-12 and 1-4:30

December 19 at Macomb Junior/Senior High School Commons (West Side) from 9 AM – 12PM

**Please check our website for cancellations or updates www.mchdept.com

In order for a child (17 years and younger) to receive the H1N1 vaccine a parent or guardian must be present to authorize vaccination for the child. If someone other than a parent or guardian is bringing the child written consent from the parent or guardian is required.

Who is eligible for the vaccine? We are following CDC recommendations. This is subject to change based upon vaccine availability. Check www.mchdept.com for up to date criteria.
H1N1 nasal spray criteria:

Individuals that can receive the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine include individuals ages 2 through 49 without chronic health conditions (some examples include asthma, blood disorders, heart disease, and diabetes.)

If you have received the seasonal flu nasal spray vaccine within the last 28 days you must receive the injectable form based upon injectable vaccine supply or wait until another clinic.

You may not receive the nasal spray if you are pregnant or think you may possibly be pregnant.

H1N1 injectable form criteria:

Pregnant women

People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age

Health care and emergency medical personnel

Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age

Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system

If you do not fall into the above groups please wait until notification about when to get vaccinated. We will continue to receive shipments of vaccine and do not expect a shortage. Everyone will eventually have an opportunity to receive the vaccine.

How much is the vaccine?
The McDonough County Health Department is offering the vaccine to the community at NO COST.

How can I find out more information and stay up to date about H1N1 in McDonough County?

For the most up to date information on clinic dates and H1N1 information please check our website at www.mchdept.com or call (309) 837-9951 ext 220 (Linda) or ext 211 (Amy) Monday - Thursday 7 am- 12 pm and 1pm -6 pm.