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• Created on Thursday, 31 December 2009 14:12

Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391

Health Department Vaccinates More than 47,000 Students Against H1N1

From November 19 through December 18, the Marion County Health Department and its partners vaccinated 47,050 school-aged students in 178 county schools.

The health department coordinated the massive effort with support from numerous hospitals, nursing schools and private nursing agencies.

"We are pleased with the cooperation we received from school administrators, parents and our students. This was not an easy task, but at the end of the day, we have taken a significant step in protecting the health of our children and our community," said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director, Marion County Health Department.

Local health officials are pleased with the 41 percent countywide vaccination participation rate and the fact 78 of the 178 schools had a 50 percent or higher rate.

In January the health department will continue working with local colleges and universities in vaccinating their students. The health department will also hold free public H1N1 clinics for anyone in the community wanting an H1N1 vaccination.

The health department also reminds parents of children age nine and younger to make certain their child receives the recommended second dose of H1N1 vaccine. The second dose should be given a minimum of 28 days after the initial dose.

Those with flu-related questions can contact the health department's 221-3366 Flu Helpline. The bi-lingual helpline can answer general flu-related questions and provide updated information on where to get the H1N1 vaccine. The helpline is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is also available from the Marion County Health Department Web site at www.mchd.com.