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H1N1 shots available for all
Officials believe they will have enough vaccine for those who want the shot
Published Friday, December 25, 2009
The H1N1 influenza vaccine is now available to all members of the community through the Tallapoosa County Health Department.
The vaccine was previously only available to children and high priority groups.
“We have more available so there shouldn’t be any problem in Alex City or Dadeville,” said Debbie Thompson, nurse supervisor for the health departments of Tallapoosa and Coosa counties.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from this potentially serious disease,” Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said in a statement released Monday. “We have removed all restrictions, and everyone is now eligible for this safe and effective vaccine.”
High priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine are pregnant women; children 6 months through 4 years old; parents, siblings and caregivers of children less than 6 months old; children 5 to 18 years old who have underlying medical conditions; and health care workers. The health department is still encouraging people in these groups to get vaccinated, but enough vaccination has been produced to offer to the general public.
Children 9-years-old and under need two doses of the nasal mist spray vaccine about four months apart. Children over 10 years old and adults need only one dose of the injectable vaccine.
Thompson said the health department is working with the city and county school systems to schedule a second vaccination clinic. The health department administered the nasal mist spray vaccine in December to students who received permission from the parents.
“In January we will go out to give the second (vaccine) to the 4- through 9-year-olds,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the department will offer the spray vaccine again to children who missed the first round of vaccines and the injectable vaccine to older students through the 12th grade.
To schedule an appointment to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine, call the health department at 329-0531, Alexander City, or 825-9203, Dadeville.
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