Created on Saturday, 07 November 2009 13:30
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Health Department H1N1 Saturday Clinic Vaccinates More than 2,200
The Marion County Health Department vaccinated 2,272 individuals during today’s clinic held at Warren Central High School.
The Warren Central clinic was the fourth sponsored by the health department and brought the four-clinic total of people vaccinated to 11,648.
“We were able to offer the vaccine at various times during the day, in the evening, on the weekend and from two locations to make the vaccine accessible to as many in the at-risk group as we could,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director, Marion County Health Department. “We would always like to vaccinate more, but feel good about this initial step,” Dr. Caine added.
While looking for additional opportunities to hold large, public clinics, the health department will begin vaccinating elementary school-aged children Monday. Local health officials will work in ten schools per day for the next two weeks. Middle school and high school students will be vaccinated in early December. The ultimate goal is to offer the vaccine to a majority of school-aged children in Marion County by the end of the year.
All health department clinics are based on the availability of vaccine. Any vaccine production or delivery delays could impact the school-based H1N1 vaccination plan.
Those with flu-related questions are asked to call the health department’s 221-3366 Flu Helpline. The bi-lingual helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Those contacting the helpline after hours will have their call returned the next business day.
