December 18, 2009

Hundreds receive vaccine at December clinic

H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine available December 22

The vaccine clinic held on Thursday night by Kossuth Regional Health Center Community Health drew a large crowd, with 577 total vaccines delivered in the two-hour time frame. 

“We were expecting a big crowd since this was the first clinic held at KRHC since H1N1 vaccine was opened up to the general public,” said Carol Gress of KRHC.  “We heard lots of great comments about how fast and easy it was, even with all the people.  We have improved our process for getting people through the line efficiently and that really helps at big clinics like this one.”

The next clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, December 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Algona, with both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine available for all people ages 6 months and older, regardless of their health status.  The H1N1 vaccine, previously limited to targeted high-risk groups, is now available for the general public.

Community Health nurses have visited all Kossuth County schools to give children less than 10 years of age (with completed consent forms) their second dose of the H1N1 vaccine.  If a child missed the school-based clinic, parents are encouraged to bring them to a community-based vaccine clinic.

“We have forms on file for children under 10 years of age that have received their first dose of the H1N1,” said Gress. “Don’t forget to follow up with the second dose for full protection.” 

The cost of the seasonal flu vaccine is $27 for flu shots and $45 for flu mist. The H1N1 vaccine is free.  Separate consent forms are required for the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. Forms will be available at the clinics and online at www.krhc.com under the Community-Based Clinics tab, located on the left side of the web page. 

“We have lots of seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine on hand and we’re encouraging people to get vaccinated before the end of year.  Seasonal flu and another wave of H1N1 is likely to hit again soon, so now is the time to get protected by receiving your vaccine,” said Gress. 

For up to date information about the seasonal flu and H1N1 call the KRHC Community Health Flu Hotline at 515-295-4451 or 800-603-8433, ext. 698.