H1N1 Vaccine Available to General Public at Clinic Monday, Dec. 21

MHP Community Health announces H1N1 vaccine is now available to all Iowans.

 “Local public health agencies have done a tremendous job during this vaccination campaign and in getting those at highest risk vaccinated,” said IDPH Director Tom Newton. “We feel confident that it is now time to expand H1N1 vaccinations to the general public.”

Public health officials predict that another wave of H1N1 illness will occur during the usual time Iowa sees the highest rates of influenza activity. “We usually see the most influenza activity in late January and February,” MHP Director of Community Health Kim Stek explained. “Being immunized as soon as possible will give Iowans protection against this possible third wave of illness.”

Stek stressed that although MHP Community Health is now able to vaccinate all populations; those in the original high-risk categories are still urged to make sure they are vaccinated. “Those at high-risk for complications or with a compromised immune system are the most susceptible to H1N1,” Stek explained. “In addition, children under 9 years of age should receive two doses of the vaccine in order to provide complete protection against the virus.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of H1N1 are similar to regular influenza and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People infected with H1N1 should stay home and reduce contact with others until they have been without a fever for at least 24 hours without medication.

MHP Community Health will hold an H1N1 vaccination clinic for the general public on Monday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the William Penn Activity Center (PAC), located at 201 Trueblood Avenue in Oskaloosa. Everyone wanting to be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus is invited to attend; there is no cost for the vaccination.

For more information regarding the H1N1 vaccine or upcoming clinic, contact MHP Community Health at 641-673-3257 or visit mahaskahealth.org.