Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

H1N1 doses coming weekly to Jefferson County

by Davis Publications staff

Jefferson County medical providers involved in administering H1N1 vaccine will receive limited doses of vaccine this week, reports the Jefferson County Health Department.

“More doses allocated by the federal government to the county will continue weekly,” said Eileen Filbert, department administrator.

The current population to be vaccinated includes:

—pregnant women

—those caring for or living with infants under 6 months of age

—children 6 months of age through age 4 years

—children 5 years of age through 18 years of age with chronic health conditions

—healthcare workers

As more vaccine is available this federal vaccination program will be expanded, she said.

Weekly conference calls are held by federal and state agencies to update medical providers administering the vaccine with the current population priority groups.

Following those calls, the health department will update the local newspapers, the county website (jfcountyks.com), and other outlets each Monday to assist residents in obtaining the most current vaccination clinic status.

F.W. Huston Medical Clinic, McLouth Medical Clinic, Oskaloosa Medical Clinic, Nortonville Medical Clinic, Valley Falls Medical Clinic, and Winchester Medical Clinic will begin to receive vaccine for their clients in the categories listed above shortly, so that those clients may contact the appropriate clinic and follow those clinic’s procedures in receiving the vaccination.

Persons with questions about the vaccine, how it is made, who can receive it, and its safety are referred to: cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety, or www.kdheks.gov.