Published: November 07, 2009 06:37 pm      

More H1N1 vaccines available

DUNCAN — The Stephens County Health Department hosted another H1N1 vaccination blitz Friday and Saturday for people who fall into the target group of receivers.

With the vaccine becoming more readily available, the target group has now expanded. It still includes all children from ages six to 18 years old, pregnant women, custodial parents of infants less than six months old and front-line health care workers who have direct patient contact with acutely ill people, but now added are adults from 19-64 years old with chronic diseases.

“This could include any type of heart problems or asthma, or any other underlying, long-term illnesses,” Sherri Singer said.

Singer is the administrative programs officer of the Stepens County Health Department in Duncan and said that the concern for flu vaccines is still fairly high.

“If you’re not in the target group, then you probably want the shot,” Singer said.

Singer also said that people are asking a lot of questions about the shots, mainly because it’s something different than the normal vaccine.

“People want to know a lot about the flu mist,” Singer said. “They don’t know much about the live-culture type of vaccine. It’s just not something they’re real used to.”

She said that the live virus version of the vaccine is still a vaccine and won’t make the person sick, but people still have questions, mainly because it’s something they aren’t as familiar with.

“We haven’t seen any major side effects of any kind with this treatment so far,” Singer said.

Singer said that they are receiving more shipments every week of the vaccine and don’t just limit administering the vaccine at the health clinic, they also go to schools and work places.

“It’s an ongoing process,” Singer said.

There doesn’t seem to be a shortage on the H1N1 vaccine at this time, but the regular influenza shot is not as readily available. Singer said that they don’t currently have any of the adult flu vaccine, but shipments are still coming and she expects to have them at any time.

For information, contact the Stephens County Health Department at 580-252-0270.