Created on Wednesday, 04 November 2009 13:29

Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391

Health Department Vaccinates More Than 3,700

The Marion County Health Department vaccinated 3,782 individuals during today’s H1N1 Vaccination Clinic held at Lafayette Square Mall. Local health officials were prepared to vaccinate up to 5,000 people.

“We are amazed and inspired by the commitment our community has to its health. People who waited hours in line, many pregnant, others with children, were patient, courteous and thankful for this clinic,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director, Marion County Health Department.

Individuals began arriving at 9 a.m. for the 3 p.m. clinic. For a majority of the clinic, a line of up to 1,500 people was present. The first client, a 3 year-old Indianapolis girl, received her vaccine at 3:01 p.m., the last individual was vaccinated at 9:05.

The health department will hold another free H1N1 Vaccination Clinic tomorrow (Thursday) at Lafayette Square Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Another free H1N1 clinic will be held Saturday at Warren Central High School. The Warren Central clinic will be held in the cafeteria from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Individuals coming to the Warren site are asked to enter from East 21st Street and follow security officer direction for parking and the clinic entrance.

Monday, health department nurses and nurses from Community and Clarian health systems will begin providing vaccine to Marion County elementary school students. Parents of elementary-aged students should be looking for information and a consent form in the next two weeks. The consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school in order for the student to receive the vaccine. There is no cost for the vaccine.

Individuals with flu-related questions can contact the Marion County Health Department 221-3366 Flu Helpline. The bi-lingual helpline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.