Lee County, IA – The Lee County Health Department says everyone should get a seasonal flu vaccine, now, as opposed to waiting for the H1N1 virus vaccine. Administrator Julie Schilling says it is important to get both vaccines this fall.
Schilling says the seasonal flu vaccine is available for everyone, but is targeted for several groups. They include children (ages 6 months to 24 months), health care providers, seniors, and adults with chronic health conditions.
"It is recommended for people to get it earlier in the season," says Schilling, "so they are able to develop immunity. They will also be prepared for when the H1N1 influenza hits us."
One case of H1N1 was reported in Des Moines County earlier this year.
Schilling says 14 vaccine clinics will be held, throughout Lee County, during the next few weeks. She says they are also open to people who do not live in the county.
The cost of a seasonal flu vaccine is $20. The Lee County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan for all county employees to receive a free vaccine, though the money would have to come from the current departmental budgets.
Schilling says it could be mid-October before Lee County receives its first doses of the H1N1 vaccine. She says the doses are expected to arrive in phases.
Schilling says her department will hold mass immunization clinics. She says other health care provider would have access to their own supply of the H1N1 vaccines.
Sept. 16 - Keokuk - Heritage Center - 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.
Sept 17 - Fort Madison - Eagle Bluff Apartments - 8:30 A.M. until 10:00 A.M.
Sept. 22 - West Point - Parkview Apartments - 10 A.M. until 12:00 P.M.
Sept. 22 - Keokuk - Keasling's Pharmacy - 1:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.