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For Immediate Release |
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Atlantic County to Hold H1N1 Vaccination Clinic on December 3 for Eligible Individuals, 10 through 64 Years Old
Individuals 10 years through 64 years of age who have been identified by the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as being most at risk for complications from the H1N1 (swine flu) virus may receive an H1N1 injectable flu shot at a public clinic provided by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health on Thursday, December 3 from 3 PM to 7 PM in the vacant Value City department store located at the Shore Mall, 6725 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township.
The clinic is free and open to any resident of the state who is eligible to receive the vaccine at this time. This includes:
* pregnant women
* individuals 10 years through 24 years of age
* individuals who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
* health care and emergency medical services personnel
* individuals 25 through 64 years of age who have certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems
Approximately 2,000 individuals received the H1N1 vaccine at two previous H1N1 clinics sponsored by the Division of Public Health in November, both of which were restricted to pregnant women and children. The Division of Public Health has also visited 16 area high schools to offer vaccinations to its students, with Egg Harbor Township High School students scheduled to receive vaccinations on December 2.
"Our goal is to vaccinate as many individuals within the CDC target populations as choose to receive it," stated County Health Officer Patricia Diamond. "This vaccine is provided on a voluntary basis, however vaccination is proven to be the best protection in fighting influenza."
Diamond also noted that there have been no serious side effects from this vaccine. According to the CDC the vast majority of side effects among the nearly 22 million Americans who have been vaccinated have been minor, involving only temporary soreness or swelling at the site of the shot.
County health officials remind the public that children 10 years through 17 years must by accompanied by a parent or guardian (with proof of guardianship) to receive an H1N1 flu shot at the December 3 clinic. A consent form must be completed for each individual who receives a shot.
Children 6 months through 9 years are required to receive two doses of vaccine, at a minimum of four weeks a part, however, it is not necessary to receive the first and second doses from the same provider. Depending on vaccine availability, Atlantic County plans to provide additional H1N1 clinics to accommodate children in this age group who need a second dose.
Access to the December 3 clinic will be available from inside the Shore Mall only. The building is handicapped accessible and available by public bus transportation and taxi service. Indoor seating for more than 500 is available inside the clinic.
The injectable vaccine is NOT approved for use in people with life-threatening allergies to eggs or anyone who has experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine. Those who are moderately or severely ill are advised to fully recover before getting the H1N1 vaccine.
Residents may also check for vaccine availability with their physicians, health care providers and area pharmacies.
For more information and H1N1 vaccine updates, please visit the county Web site at www.aclink.org or call the Atlantic County flu hotline at 677-5720. To find flu shot locations throughout the state, visit http://web.doh.state.nj.us/apps2/flu/fluschedules.aspx
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