At this time, all vaccine planned for the Lake County Health Department's first round of H1N1 vaccine clinics (October 29 - November 1) has been allocated. For the rest of the day Friday, only people who have received wrist bands from the clinic sites will receive the vaccine.
The Department has cancelled clinic hours for Saturday and Sunday because of depleted vaccine supplies. "In this first round of vaccine distribution, we focused on meeting the community's demand for immediate service," said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director. "Residents told us they wanted the vaccine as soon as possible. To meet this need, we coordinated walk-in clinics that are expected to vaccinate more than 10,000 people in two days. This is more vaccine than we have provided in an entire flu season. However, we realize that the waiting time has been frustrating and appreciate the public's patience. Future clinics will include an appointment component. We will inform the public of additional clinic plans as soon as we have them available."
Flu seasons usually last for months. There will be many ways to acquire an H1N1 vaccine in Lake County. In addition to the Health Department clinics, vaccinations are expected to be available from a large number of community healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics in November and December. More than 430 local providers and facilities are registered to receive vaccine in the county.
For an inside look at LCHD vaccination clinics, check out this video:
http://lakecnty.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=359
What You Can Do Practice Healthy Habits
In addition to getting your seasonal flu shot, help prevent the spread of flu in the workplace, schools and throughout the community by:
Staying home if you are sick
Covering your cough and sneeze
Washing your hands frequently
Additional important items to remember about flu include:
Overall, people are most contagious during the first three days of illness, so staying home during this time is especially important to not spread the flu to coworkers, friends or fellow students.
People with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school, work and social gatherings until 24 hours after resolution of their fever (less than 100 F) without fever reducing medications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children 9 and younger receive two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, which should be separated by one month. One dose is recommended for everyone else.
The Health Department's H1N1 hotline number is: 847-377-8350.
Tiffany R. Bronk
Media Specialist
Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center
847.377.8099
tbronk@lakecountyil.gov
www.lakecountyil.gov/health
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