More H1N1 vaccine clinics announced
| Wednesday, Nov 25 2009 04:13 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Nov 25 2009 04:14 PM
The Kern County Department of Public Health has scheduled new H1N1 flu vaccine clinics.
The clinics are for eligible people older than age 10 needing their first and only dose. They're also for children age 9 or younger needing their first or second dose.
Only children younger than 9 need two doses. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the two H1N1 vaccine doses be separated by four weeks, according to its website. However, the CDC says, if the two doses are separated by at least 21 days, the second dose can be considered valid.
Local vaccine supplies are limited and all clinics could be postponed depending on availability of vaccine.
The public should check Public Health's website, www.co.kern.ca.us/health, for the most current updates on clinics and vaccine availability. People can also call 877-81VIRUS.
Upcoming clinics include:
* 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Shafter Public Health Office, 329 Central Valley Highway.
* 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Rosamond Community Services District, 3179 35th Street West.
* 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Mojave Veterans Hall, 15580 "O" St.
* 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Inyokern Baptist Church, 6521 Plains Ave. in Inyokern.
Target groups for the H1N1 flu vaccine include:
* Children 6 months to 24 years old (10 to 24 year olds' first and only dose; 9-year-old or younger kids' first or second dose).
* Pregnant women.
* Caregivers of children 6 months old and younger.
* People with underlying health conditions 25 to 64 years old.
* Health care workers and emergency medical workers.
Public Health is planning more clinics throughout Kern County and will release those dates and locations as more information becomes available.
