Free H1N1 clinic set for Thursday

The Greene County Health Department has scheduled another H1N1 vaccine clinic.

"In an effort to reach more people, we will be having another free vaccination clinic on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 6 p.m. We will administer the vaccine to anyone under the age of 64," a press release from the health department states.

Along with offering the vaccine clinics, the local health department continues to monitor and address the H1N1 flu pandemic.

"Individuals who wish to receive the vaccine on that day (Dec. 3) will need to call the health department at 384-4496 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the morning of the clinic to be given a scheduled time to be at the health department that afternoon."

Do not come to the health department if you are ill or have signs and symptoms of influenza-like illness as you cannot be processed through the clinic.

Only those who have called the health department on the morning of the clinic to receive their time slot will be given the vaccine at the clinic.

"We also ask that people do not show up before their time slot. This will help the clinic flow more smoothly and keep the wait time to a minimum," the release explains.

The vaccine will not be administered to individuals over the age of 64 at this time.

"The reason for this decision is based on the fact that the H1N1 virus is not being seen in great numbers in this population according to information released from CDC (Centers for Disease Control)," states the release. "The reasons for the lower numbers in this group may be related to the fact that individuals over 64 years may have already built up some immunity to the H1N1 virus through possible exposure to a similar virus."

The seasonal flu shot taken by the elderly population every year also could contribute to lower number of H1N1 cases in this population.

Children under the age of 10 will need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, four weeks apart, to be fully protected. Parents will need to bring a child's H1N1 vaccination card in order for the child to get the second dose.

Please remember the three steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu. They are referred to as the three Cs -- clean your hands, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve and contain the flu by staying home if you are sick with flu-like symptoms.

For more information on the H1N1 flu and its vaccine call the Indiana State Department of Health at 1-887-826-0011 or 1-888-561-0044. The hotline will be available from 8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

As information becomes available on additional clinics in Greene County it will be distributed through the local media outlets as well as the Indiana State Department of Health Web site at www.in.gov.flu .

The health department is located at 217 E. Spring St. in Bloomfield.