H1N1 Vaccination Clinic on January 5, 2010
Today the Greenwich Department of Health announced that it will be offering the first H1N1 Clinic of the New Year to all persons 6 months and older on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 from 3:00-6:00 PM in the Town Hall Meeting Room, first floor of Town Hall. All children under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian present. Pregnant women are required to have a written prescription from their medical provider. Director of Health Caroline Calderone Baisley stated that, "offering the vaccine to everyone at this time is so important now that we are getting into the time of year when influenza cases begin to rise. Although H1N1 influenza activity seems to have leveled off, a third wave of the virus may appear in the upcoming months, along with seasonal influenza. The more people that are protected against the H1N1 virus, the less likely the flu will circulate."
Fill out the Clinic Consent Form and bring it with you.
The Department hopes that people will find time to get immunized now that the New Year is here. Director Baisley stated, "giving everyone the opportunity to get protected against the H1N1 viruses makes a lot of sense. The Department will be offering only a few more clinics so now is the time to get vaccinated."
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. Since we cannot hold vaccine for the second dose, 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 and will schedule clinics as needed. Residents are reminded to also check with their health care providers for vaccine availability.
For up to date information on clinics, residents are encouraged to call 203-622-3774. More information on H1N1 is located on the Greenwich Department of Health website.
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