Unrestricted H1N1 Vaccinations Offered on 12/17
Dec. 15, 2009: Today the Greenwich Department of Health announced that it will be offering H1N1 Vaccinations to all persons 6 months and older on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 3:00 - 6:30 PM in the Town Hall Meeting Room, first floor of Town Hall. All children under the age of 18 will be required to have a parent or guardian present. The State of Connecticut plans on suspending the requirement that the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine be restricted only to priority groups. Director of Health Caroline Calderone Baisley stated that, "expanding the vaccine eligibility list to everyone is so important now that we are getting into the time of year when people do a lot of socializing. Although influenza activity throughout the state seems to have dropped off, the incidence rate of disease is still high for this time of year. The more people that are protected against the H1N1 virus, the less likely the flu will circulate."
H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic Flyer
To expedite the vaccination process, please fill out the form at the link below using upper case letters where applicable and answer all questions 1 - 28, filling out circles completely and using an X for boxes.
H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Form
Although the attendance at mass clinics has dropped off significantly as people get involved in holiday planning, the Department hopes that people find time to get immunized before the New Year and possibly before another wave of disease hits in late winter/early spring. Director Baisley stated, "giving everyone the opportunity to get protected against the H1N1 viruses makes a lot of sense and this will be the last clinic the Department will be offering until the New Year. Giving vaccinations by appointment may be an option after the clinic; however, scheduling the workload of staff nurses at this time will be difficult."
In offering the Influenza A (H1N1) injectable "flu shot" vaccine to the general public, the Department emphasizes that persons in previous priority groups like pregnant women, household contacts with infants less than 6 months of age and persons who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for influenza-related complications are especially vulnerable to getting the flu and are encouraged to get vaccinated. In addition, all children under the age of 10 will require two doses of vaccine to achieve immunity and those who have already received their first dose of the vaccine should be getting their second dose if 30 days has passed. Parents are reminded to bring their child's vaccination record card with them when coming to the clinic.
The Department of Health will continue to request H1N1 vaccine from the Connecticut Department of Public Health after the New Year and will schedule clinics and or appointments as needed. Residents are reminded to also check with their health care providers for vaccine availability.
For more information on H1N1, visit the Greenwich Department of Health website or call 203-622-7857 to receive available brochures.
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