Second large-scale H1N1 clinic planned

Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A second large-scale H1N1 vaccination clinic is being planned for Jan. 7 from 3-7 p.m. at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse in Madison.

The H1N1 vaccine first became available to specific age groups this fall, in addition to those who were pregnant, worked in the healthcare field or had a chronic illness.

As a result of a Point of Distribution (POD) grant awarded to Lake County, an initial large-scale vaccination clinic was held on Nov. 18 to issue vaccinations to qualifying individuals. At that time, all available vaccines (775) were issued.

Lake County Health Nurse Jen Fouberg said that as of Dec. 14, the vaccines are now open to anyone. State officials are encouraging additional large-scale exercises to make the vaccines available. Planners are hoping to have 2,000 vaccines available for the Madison event on Jan. 7.

The vaccines will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be free to the public. Fouberg said the process used at this vaccination exercise provides a simple and quick registration.

"Nobody waited more than 10 minutes for the shot," she said of the previous clinic.

Following administration of the vaccine, those who receive the shot are required to sit for 15 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions.

While the number of H1N1 cases has gone down since a spike in occurrences this fall, health officials say a second round of H1N1 flu cases could show up later this winter along with the seasonal flu which is yet to come.

According to the South Dakota Department of Health, the H1N1 flu is considered sporadic, although new cases continue to be detected. Activity is higher than normal for this time of year and highest among children ages 0-4. Officials also note that the affected are primarily younger than age 65.

While the vaccine is available to all ages, health officials recommend a second "booster" shot for those who are 9 years old and younger. Fouberg said children in that age group who received the shots in November should now be receiving boosters; parents can make arrangements at any health-care clinic.

H1N1 vaccines are currently available at local clinics as well as the County Health Nurse's Office. While the vaccine itself is free, private providers may charge an administration fee.

Persons involved in the planning of the Jan. 7 event include members of the Lake County Pandemic Planning Committee. Fouberg said they include people from the County Health Nurse's Office, Madison Community Hospital, Golden Living Center, Bethel Lutheran Home, Interlakes Medical Center, Northland Clinic, Interlakes Community Action, Red Cross and Emergency Management Office.

Fouberg said planners hope to have 100 volunteers available for the four-hour event. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact either herself at 256-5309 or Don Thomson at 256-7611.

©Madison Daily Leader 2009