Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department
H1N1 Children’s “Special Health Needs” Clinic Announced

WHEELING, WV —Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department will hold an H1N1 vaccination clinic for high risk children on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 9:00-11:00 am and 1:00-3:00pm.

Children and adolescents aged 6 months thru 18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications are eligible.High risk medical conditions may include asthma and other chronic lung disorders, congenital heart disease, neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions (like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord diseases), neuromuscular disorders, blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, or weakened immune system should attend this clinic.

Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling (304) 234-3682.A parent or legal guardian must attend the clinic with the child.Staff of the health department will be on hand to assist participants in the clinic.

Parents, grandparents, brother, sisters, and adults of any age are NOT eligible for vaccine at this time, regardless of medical condition.Immunization for other priority groups and the general population will be available for everyone after the target populations have been immunized.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is following The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations for vaccination of the 2009 H1N1 virus.Five target population groups will be the initial focus of the health department’s immunization efforts.These groups are:

• vaccination for pregnant women
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years
• people ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

The health department anticipates regular delivers of the H1N1 vaccine throughout the year and into 2010.The health department does not expect that there will be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable and there is some possibility that initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. The health department anticipates that anyone who wants a H1N1 vaccination will be able to receive one.

Vaccination for younger children will require two immunizations, spread out between 21-28 days.The CDC’s recommendation for younger vaccinations are that children receive one dose for age 10 and above and two (2) doses age 9 and below.

The H1N1 vaccination is not mandatory; rather individuals will receive recommendations on who should receive the vaccine.If the vaccine is recommended for use, those who choose vaccination for themselves or their children will be screened for contraindications to vaccination (such as an allergy to eggs ) and will receive information sheets describing the vaccine’s risks and benefits, possible adverse events associated with vaccination, and how to report these events.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department continues to advise individuals on simple precautions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 and regular Flu virus.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work, school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you have flu like symptoms, stay at home for at least 24 hours after you are free of a fever or signs of fever without using fever reducing medications is gone.

For more information call the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682 or visit our website at www.ohiocountyhealth.com.

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Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department

1500 Chapline Street, Suite 106

City County Building

Wheeling, WV 26003