More H1N1 vaccines arrive in Cullman County

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A new shipment of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine has arrived. The Cullman County Health Department will host vaccine clinics today and Friday, or until supplies run out. Trent Moore

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November 12, 2009

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Thu Nov 12, 2009, 07:00 AM CST

CULLMAN — A new 600-dose shipment of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine has arrived in Cullman.

The Cullman County Health Department is planning vaccine clinics in the community health room today and Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., to disseminate the shots.

The clinics could end sooner, if supply runs out.

“Hopefully we can get rid of it quick,” Cullman County Health Department clinic supervisor Crystal Page said.

Since vaccine supply is still limited, Page said certain groups more susceptible to the flu strain will be given first priority.

“Because the H1N1 vaccine is coming in at a slow rate, we are asking your support as we serve the following high-risk groups first,” Page said.

High-risk groups include: Pregnant women, children and young adults six months - 24 years old, adults 25 - 64 years old with medical conditions, people in close contact of children younger than six months of age, and health care and emergency medical services personnel.

There is no charge for the vaccine, though the health department does request patients bring insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards for possible reimbursement of the administration fee.

Statewide, the Alabama Department of Public Health expects to receive 180,000 doses of vaccine for swine flu this week, according to the Associated Press.

This is the second H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinic to be held in Cullman. The first clinic, held in late October, lasted nearly a week until all 1,000 doses were depleted.

“It took us about four-and-a-half days last time, until we ran out,” Page said. “I had expected it to go faster, honestly.”

Page said the low turnout was due in part to late notice given by the state health department about the clinic, as well as public uncertainty about the vaccine.

“I’m sure there are some reservations, but hopefully they will do some research and make the right decision,” Page said in a previous interview.

Cullman resident Sue Eidson said she has no major concerns about the vaccine and may get one in the coming months.

“I’m not going to stand in line for it, but if my husband’s office offers it I probably will,” she said, referring to the medical office where her husband is employed. “I’m not a bit worried about the vaccine, though.”

Kathy Eakin, 60, said she does have some reservations about the vaccine.

“I asked my doctor about it and he said I’m not in the main target age group, so I won’t be getting the vaccine,” she said. “I would think twice about my children getting it, though, because it was rushed out so quickly.”

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine shot is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The shot has been approved for people age six months and older.

The same manufacturers who produce seasonal flu shots are producing 2009 H1N1 flu shots for use in the United States this season. The 2009 H1N1 flu shot is being made in the same way that the seasonal flu shot is made.

For more information about the H1N1 swine flu and clinic information in other areas, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health Web site (http://www.adph.org).

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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More H1N1 vaccines arrive in Cullman County

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