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Last updated: December 11, 2009 8:40 a.m.

Verbatim: H1N1 vaccine available to children, all adults next week

Statement issued Friday morning:

Beginning next week, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is making H1N1 flu vaccine available to anyone between 6 months and 64 years of age regardless of health condition.

The vaccine will be available at the Carew Medical Park clinic at the following times next week:

  • Monday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 15, 3 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 17, 3 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The slower-than-anticipated arrival of the H1N1 vaccine caused health officials to restrict its availability to those at highest risk for becoming ill. But now that the vaccine has become more widely available, the health department is moving beyond the priority groups.

The H1N1 injectable vaccine is being made available to anyone up to age 64. Healthy individuals ages 2 to 49 will have the option of getting the nasal spray vaccine.

Surveillance of who is most likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 and become seriously ill, still shows that people 65 and older are the least likely to get sick with this virus, while younger people are much more likely to become ill.

More than 19,900 people have been vaccinated for H1N1 flu since the clinic opened on Oct. 9. Parkview Health is providing space for the clinic at Carew Medical Park, 1818 Carew St. The vaccines are free. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (with notarized documentation).

For more information, go to www.FightTheFlu.org or call 2-1-1.

Vaccines available at the Carew Medical Park

H1N1 vaccine (injectable)

  • For anyone 6 months to 64 years of age, including those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
  • No child younger than 6 months can get the vaccine
  • If a person is ill with a fever, he or she cannot get this vaccine
H1N1 FluMist vaccine (nasal spray)

  • For healthy children and young adults 2 to 49 years of age who do not have underlying health conditions
  • No child younger than 2 years of age can get this vaccine
  • No adult older than 49 can get this vaccine
  • Pregnant women cannot get this vaccine
  • If a person has had any live vaccine such as the MMR, Varicella (chickenpox) or the seasonal flu mist vaccine in the last 28 days, he or she cannot receive the H1N1 FluMist vaccine
Children under the age of 10 will need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, four weeks apart, to be fully protected. Parents should bring the H1N1 vaccination records for children who are returning for a second dose.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of influenza should stay home and contact a health care provider. People can also limit the spread of flu by covering their cough and washing their hands.

 

Anne Gregory is the Web writer-editor for The Journal Gazette and has been with the newspaper since 2000, serving as Sunday editor, assistant news editor and Metro section editor. An award-winning editor and columnist, she has worked at newspapers in Ohio and Indiana. Gardeners know her work as author of "The Dirt" on the Sunday Garden page.