Charlotte, N.C. –The Mecklenburg County Health Department is now taking appointments for priority groups to get the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination.
Vaccine supplies have now reached adequate levels to allow health department nurses and staff to administer the H1N1 vaccination to:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- Children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years old
- Children 5 through 18 years old who have chronic medical conditions
Appointments can be made by calling (704) 432-5100.
It is the goal of the Health Department to administer all of the vaccine received as quickly as possible. Using the appointment system will ensure that clients, especially those in vulnerable populations, receive the vaccine without having to stand in long lines.
Because of the limited vaccine supply to this point, the Health Department has been working with local health-care providers and first responders over the past few weeks to make sure health-care workers with direct patient contact and first responders are protected. This was done at the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Clients of the Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Clinics began receiving vaccine through scheduled appointments last week. This initiative has helped protect nearly 100 clients per day who are in the high-risk categories.
As vaccine shipments become more plentiful, there will be expanded options for those who wish to be protected from the H1N1 virus. Residents should check first with their personal medical provider to see if they are administering the vaccine. Many pharmacies and grocery-store pharmacies are expected to receive limited quantities of the H1N1 vaccine for public distribution.
Prevention and good personal hygiene can help you stay healthy this flu season. Go back to basics. Wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and stay home when you’re sick.
For more information about the flu and protecting yourself and your family, go to www.meckhealth.org, or call 311 in Mecklenburg County.
