H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine continues to arrive in Sandusky County

The latest shipment contained only the Live Attenuated Intranasal Vaccine (LAIV) or FluMist form of the vaccine, so the Sandusky County Health Department will hold a FluMist ONLY H1N1 vaccination clinic on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., or until supply is exhausted, at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds, Flower Building, 901 Rawson Avenue, Fremont. Clinics will continue to be scheduled across the county as more vaccine arrives. Please watch for news of upcoming clinics.

The 2009 H1N1 LAIV (FluMist) vaccine does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. It is licensed for people from 2 through 49 years of age. The vaccine virus is attenuated (weakened) so it will not cause illness.

LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions (see below). This clinic is only for those that fall into the priority groups set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the Ohio Department of Health. These target groups include:

* People age 2 through 24 years of age.

* People age 25 through 49 years of age and -live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, or

* People who are health care or emergency medical personnel.

You should NOT get 2009 H1N1 LAIV if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. 2009 H1N1 LAIV should NOT be given to the following groups.

* Children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older.

* Pregnant women.

* Anyone with a weakened immune system.

* Anyone with a long-term health problem such as - heart disease - kidney or liver disease - lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes - asthma - anemia and other blood disorders.

* Children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing during the past year.

* Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.

* Anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit)

* Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.

* Anyone taking an antibiotic for an acute illness.

* Anyone that has received a live vaccine (MMR, chickenpox, live seasonal FluMist) within the last 30 days.

There will be no cost for the vaccine. Please bring you current driver's license or photo identification.

Remember, the number one way to prevent flu, is frequent hand washing.

If you have any questions regarding the H1N1 influenza vaccination please contact the Sandusky County Health Department at 419-334-6377.