COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH
Friday, October 30, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Community based H1N1 vaccination clinics for all children, ages 6 months - 4 years; and children between 5 years and 18 years with underlying medical conditions

WHO: Columbus Public Health

WHEN and WHERE:
Tues., Nov. 3 
Veterans Memorial
300 W. Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215-2788
4 – 7:00 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 4
Veterans Memorial
300 W. Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215-2788
1 – 4:00 p.m.

DETAILS: While our goal is to protect every child at risk from H1N1, due to the current shortage of vaccine distribution and supply availability, our immediate strategy is to protect children at highest risk of complications and hospitalization. Therefore, these community based clinics will be open ONLY to the following groups:

• All children 6 months through their 4th year
• Children 5 years through 18 years of age with underlying medical conditions (see Q & A)

We will also serve:

• Pregnant women
• Adult caregivers of children under 6 months of age
• Medical care staff who provide direct patient care to potential patients with H1N1

Parents or guardians must accompany children in order for them to be vaccinated.

Flu Mist will be provided to all persons in the above sub-groups, age 2 - 49 with no medical complications. Supplies will be limited.

The vaccinations will be provided free of charge. Because the flu mist cannot be given to people with certain underlying medical conditions, most vaccines will be injectable. Children should wear short or loose sleeves and eat something before they come. Children will not be vaccinated if they are sick with flu-like symptoms. All children 9 years of age and younger must receive a second dose of vaccine after 28 days to be fully protected.

The Franklin County Board of Health will offer clinics on Thursday and Saturday of next week. Times and locations will be released next week. Their vaccine will be available to these same target groups as mentioned above.

MORE INFO: Children with underlying health conditions have been identified by the CDC because they are more vulnerable to H1N1 and are at an increased risk of severe complications. Additional clinics will be offered for the other high risk groups as soon as local public health receives additional vaccine.

Public health continues to track flu illnesses in order to take necessary steps to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza. Visit us at Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or visit our web site at columbuspandemicflu.org for frequently updated H1N1 information and resources. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for information.