County Health Dept. to have H1N1 clinic Friday
, News reporter
11-06-2009
A third shipment of H1N1 vaccine has been received at the Ray County Health Department, allowing for additional clinics, beginning Friday. The following priority groups, as classified by the standards of Centers for Disease Control, are encouraged to receive the vaccine:
• Pregnant women, with physician's approval.
• Children ages six months to 18 years of age with chronic medical conditions, verified by physician or school.
• Healthcare and Emergency Services personnel with direct patient care (Must have employee ID badge).
• Persons who live with or care for children under the age of six months - including daycare workers.
• Healthy children ages two-24 (may receive flu mist only).
The health department said the clinics will be held as long as vaccines are available.
Clinics will be from 1-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, Monday, Nov. 9, Tuesday, Nov. 10 and Friday, Nov. 13. An additional clinic will be held Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. All clinics will be held at the Ray County Health Dept. 820 E. Lexington, Richmond.
Officials also urge the sick to avoid anyone in the high-risk groups: pregnant women, children, infants, and those with chronic medical conditions.
The Ray County Health Dept. recommends that children not participate in sleepovers at homes of friends and family members, and reminds children not to share pencils, crayons, books and other items as they can transmit the virus, as does shaking someone's hand or sharing a hug.
While frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes and other hygiene practices can reduce the spread of viruses/diseases, it remains up to each individual to assist with stopping the further spread of any virus by staying home when they are sick.
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