Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Madison County will offer H1N1 flu clinic

The Madison County Health Department has received a limited supply of the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine and will hold a free walk-in clinic today for a specific population of people.

The nasal spray is primarily for people who are aged 2 to 24 years old, healthy and not pregnant. People with asthma, diabetes or any other chronic disease cannot receive the nasal spray form of the H1N1 vaccination.

The health department will hold a H1N1 nasal spray vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at the department at 101 E. Edwardsville Road in Wood River. People who are under 2 years old or older than 24 years old, pregnant or have a chronic disease will not be able to receive the nasal spray vaccination.

"Additional flu vaccine will arrive in the coming weeks to help accommodate vaccinating people in the designated priority groups set by the CDC," said Toni Corona, Public Health Administrator. "We encourage everyone to watch for notice of future vaccination clinics and continue to follow the three C's -- Clean, Cover, Contain.

"Clean means wash your hands frequently. Cover means cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze and throw away your tissues. Contain means to stay at home if you're sick or keep your children home if they are sick. Follow the 24-hour rule to be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines before returning to work or school."

For more information about H1N1 and notices about upcoming clinics, visit the Madison County Health Department web site at www.madisonchd.org or call 692-8954, ext. 1 for seasonal flu information, ext. 6 for H1N1 flu information.