Created on Tuesday, 20 October 2009 13:10
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Plan Ahead Before Coming to H1N1 Clinic
More than 2,000 people are expected to attend Marion County’s first public H1N1 flu vaccine clinic Thursday, October 22. The clinic will be held at the Lafayette Square Shopping Mall, 3919 Lafayette Road, inside the former Steve and Berry’s retail-clothing store.
“We are asking only those in the at-risk group attend Thursday’s clinic. We will be screening individuals and it will be extremely helpful to have only those who are in the at-risk group in line,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director, Marion County Health Department.
Because of the large turnout, local health officials are asking those coming to the clinic to plan ahead.
“If you have a fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, recent diarrhea or vomiting please do not come to the clinic. Those who are sick will not be able to get the vaccine and they could infect others,” said Dr. Caine.
Those arriving before the 8 a.m. opening may have to wait outside and long lines are expected throughout the clinic that runs until Noon.
Parents bringing children to the clinic are also reminded to plan for long waits that may be difficult for young children.
To expedite the vaccination process, those coming to the clinic are asked to wear short-sleeved shirts. This will allow public health nurses quick access to the arm where vaccine will be injected.
Healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 are encouraged to take the flu mist. Women who are pregnant or children and adults with certain medical conditions that make them susceptible to flu complications cannot take the mist.
Individuals coming to the clinic will not be required to show identification or proof that they are in the at-risk group.
Six additional H1N1 vaccination clinics are planned for Saturday, October 24 at HealthNet sites across the county. Those sites will offer both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccinations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on the HealthNet clinic sites, visit www.indyhealthnet.org
Beginning October 27, the Marion County Health Department will offer seasonal vaccine from IPS School 11, located at 42nd and Millersville Road, on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Tuesday clinic will operate from 8 a.m. to Noon and the Friday clinic from Noon to 4 p.m. The school, which is not being used this year, provides a convenient location and ample parking for those seeking seasonal flu vaccine.
