H1N1 clinics scheduled
The state Department of Health announced that statewide clinics to administer free H1N1 vaccines will be conducted Friday through Sunday in recommended target groups that have not had previous access to the vaccine. Officials said that residents in the target groups must schedule an appointment time, day and location prior to the clinic in order to receive the H1N1 vaccine in order to ensure that the correct type and amount of vaccine is available at each location.
“Our goal is to get the H1N1 vaccine to as many people as possible who are at risk of suffering serious complications from the virus,” Deputy Secretary Michael Huff stated in a press release. “These public health clinics will help us do just that with the amount of vaccine that is currently available to us.”
Officials said the clinics will be limited to people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, caregivers for children younger than the age of 6 months, pregnant women, health-care providers and emergency medical personnel people younger than age 65 with underlying health conditions.
Officials said 18 health clinics would be held over the weekend across the state.
Locally, a clinic covering Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties will he offered at the Mon Valley State Health Center in Monessen.
The clinic will be opened from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Appointments can be made at www.H1N1inPa.com or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Those seeking vaccination should download an H1N1 vaccine consent form at the H1N1 Web site.
Officials said that as more vaccine becomes available, the health department will schedule additional clinics throughout the state.