H1N1 vaccine available for general public

KRHC to offer seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine at December clinics

It’s not too late to give yourself the gift of good health.  Kossuth Regional Health Center Community Health will host two more vaccine clinics for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 before the holidays.  H1N1 vaccine, previously limited to targeted high-risk groups, is now available for the general public.

Vaccine clinics will be on Thursday, December 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the KRHC Clinic lobby and on Tuesday, December 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Algona.  Both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine will be available for all people ages 6 months and older.

This will be the first opportunity for the general public to receive the H1N1 vaccine.  Those with the highest risk of complications from H1N1 are encouraged to receive the vaccine. 

To avoid long lines for vaccine, Gress recommends coming prepared with a completed consent form and waiting to arrive during the second half of the vaccine clinic.

“If you’re looking for a way to get in and out quickly, go to www.krhc.com, print off the right consent form and fill it out at home before coming in.  Coming early won’t get you through any faster and can create problems with parking and space within the clinic.  We’ve found that the second hour of the clinics are much less busy than the first hour, so if you don’t want to stand in line as long, come later.” said Carol Gress of KRHC Community Health. 

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. 

School based clinics for children less than 10 years of age to receive their second dose of H1N1 will be completed in Kossuth County schools before Christmas break.  All other children requiring a second dose of H1N1 can receive this dose at all public clinics.

“We expect to see another wave of H1N1 after the holidays, so don’t forget to take special care during the holiday season to fight the flu and see a doctor if you are ill.  Staying home and resting if you have flu-like symptoms is often the best course of action and will help prevent the spread of illness during flu season,” 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.