H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Scheduled

From the Board of Health. (Bold emphasis added by me. Please note that these vaccinations are by appointment)

We have scheduled an H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic to be held on Monday December 14th. As we still have limited vaccine available, immunizations will be given by pre-registration appointment only. We will have both Injectable and Nasal Spray formulations available. The Nasal Spray is generally appropriate for healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 years with no breathing or immune system disorders. Please consult with your physician to assure the Nasal Spray is appropriate before you call the Flu Line to schedule an appointment.

Call the following flu clinic phone line at 508-910-1844 to make an appointment on the following dates and times, or until our current vaccine supply is allotted. Please only call during these hours and do not leave a message. Staff and volunteers are available only during these hours:

Friday December 4: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Sat. December 5: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Mon December 7: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tues. December 8: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wed. December 9: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

This clinic will be targeted to the following groups in accordance with CDC guidance:

· Children from 3 years through 18 years of age and
· Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications
· Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
· Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

A clinic will be held by pre-registration to provide the second dose on December 21st for children under 10 years old,...

... who received their first dose at the November 20th clinic. This clinic is by appointment only. Board of Health Staff will contact parents, by phone this week to schedule these appointments, using the number provided on your November 20th registration form.

In addition we will hold a H1N1 Vaccination Clinic for High School Students at Dartmouth High School on Monday December 7th, during the school day. Students must pick up parental consent forms at the High School Office and return to school with them signed on Monday December 7th to receive a vaccination.

We remind residents that a healthy lifestyle, good diet, adequate rest and physical exercise along with good handwashing practices and cough etiquette will reduce your risk of illness. When you or a household member is ill it is important to stay at home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

Check the Town website at www.town.dartmouth.ma.us or call the Flu Info Line at 508-910-1844 for future clinic schedules.

For a Healthy Community,

Wendy W. Henderson, R.S.
Director of Public Health