H1N1 clinics to target additional high risk groups

PRINCETON — The Bureau/Putnam County Health Department has administered about 4,000 H1N1 vaccines in the last couple weeks and more flu clinics are scheduled.

On Monday, administrator Diana Rawlings said the health department is finishing its school clinics this week, with additional clinics scheduled to meet other high priority risk groups.

The health department will have a H1N1 clinic for pregnant women from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday at the health department. Appointments are needed.

The health department will have another clinic from 7 to 11 a.m. Monday at the Princeton Moose Lodge for children and young people ages 6 months through 24 years. This clinic will provide the H1N1 vaccine to young people including preschoolers, home-schoolers and college-age young adults. Also, this clinic will provide the vaccine to people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months, Rawlings said. No appointments are needed.

On Nov. 10, the health department has scheduled a clinic for people ages 25 through 64 years who have certain medical conditions associated with a higher risk of flu complications. That clinic is set for 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Princeton Moose Lodge. No appointments are needed.

As more vaccines become available, additional H1N1 clinics may be scheduled, including one for people 65 years and older, Rawlings said. The high risk groups are being served first, she added.

All H1N1 vaccines are free to the public when given through the local health department because the health department did receive a grant to cover the administration costs of its H1N1 clinics, Rawlings said. Hospitals and doctors may charge an administration handling fee.

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