Published: November 02, 2009 05:30 pm      

H1N1 injectable vaccine available for priority groups at health departments starting Tuesday

The H1N1 influenza injectable vaccine will be provided to priority groups beginning Tuesday through the health departments in Whitfield and Murray counties.

The vaccine will be available during normal operating hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weekdays except on Fridays, when the clinics close at 11:30 a.m. Service is first-come, first-served until the current supply is gone.

The priority groups, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include:

• Pregnant women

• Health care and emergency medical personnel

• People who live with or care for infants younger than six months.

• Anyone from six months to 24 years of age.

• Anyone from 25 to 64 who has medical conditions that put the person at higher risk for influenza-related complications. 

 The North Georgia Health District received its first shipment of H1N1 influenza injectable vaccine on Monday totaling 4,100 doses. The vaccine will be provided at no charge, but an administrative fee may be charged through Medicare, Medicaid and third-party insurance, including state health benefit plans for United Healthcare and CIGNA. People should bring their insurance cards, health district officials said.

The district expects to receive more vaccine over the next few weeks. Officials expect there will eventually be enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.

For more information please call your local health department or visit these Web sites:

• North Georgia Health District: www.nghd.org

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

• Department of Community Health: www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu

The number for the Whitfield County Health Department is (706) 279-9600. The number for the Murray County Health Department is (706) 695-4585.