ELK POINT, S.D. -- An H1N1 flu vaccination clinic will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Elk Point-Jefferson High School for at-risk people, or those identified by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at tier 1 and 2.

Those groups include:

·         Pregnant women;

·         *Children 6 months - 18 years of age;

·         Young adults, 19 - 24 years of age;

·         Adults 25 - 64 years of age with chronic health conditions;

·         Caregivers of children less than 6 months of age;

·         Health care and emergency medical services workers (must present their employee identification badges to receive vaccine.)

*Note - Children under the age of 10 must have received their first H1N1 dose before November 13, 2009 to receive the second H1N1 dose at this event.

 H1N1 vaccination is completely voluntary and there is no charge for the vaccination. The CDC recommends that an individual who previously suffered from a suspected case of H1N1 without a lab confirmation should still receive the H1N1 vaccine.

With a limited supply of vaccine, immunization is being offered only to those who are at the highest risk for contracting H1N1. As more H1N1 vaccination clinics are scheduled, they will be posted on the South Dakota Department of Health Web site, .

To speed up the vaccination process, parents and participants are encouraged to print and complete a consent form before attending the clinic. Forms are available at

 

http://h1n1.sd.gov

by clicking on "Vaccination Dates" on the right-hand side of the page. Blank forms will also be available at the event.

 

The vaccine is being provided by the federal government and vaccination clinics are being administered statewide by the Department of Health in partnership with Avera Health, Sanford Health and Regional Health.

 

The vaccine is currently in limited supply and so is available only to those who are at the highest risk for contracting H1N1. A more vaccine is received clinics will be scheduled and posted on the South Dakota Department of Health Web site: http://h1n1.sd.gov.

--Michele Linck