Flu shot clinic dates set for children; H1N1 vaccine also available

The Livingston County Health Center will be holding two walk-in flu shot clinics for children 6 months to 18 years this coming Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3 until 6 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 22, from 2 until 7 p.m. No appointments are being taken. Shots will be administered on a first come, first served basis until the vaccine supply is exhausted.

Both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza vaccinations will be available; however, there are some high risk groups targeted for the H1N1 vaccine, which is currently experiencing a shortage. 
The high risk groups eligible for H1N1 vaccine at this clinic are:

Children aged 2 to 4 years of age without respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic wheezing.*

Children 5 to 18 years old with chronic medical conditions.

*Certain people should not get a nasal spray flu vaccine, including:
People younger than 2 years of age;

People with a medical condition that places them at higher risk for complications including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure, or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system;

Children younger than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing;

Children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy;

Children who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.

Flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, flu places a large burden on the health and well-being of children and families.  This year, the H1N1 virus seems to be affecting children more so than adults, making them even more susceptible to complications like pneumonia.

Source chillicothenews.com