Local health depts and H1N1 vaccines

(WOOD) - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the 45 local health departments in the state have agreed that all counties will concentrate on the five target groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine as recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and focusing solely on subsets of the target groups is no longer necessary.

The MDCH and local departments began the new plan on Dec. 1. Vaccination for the general population possibly may begin in a few weeks but only after data from local health departments and healthcare partners assures that target groups throughout the state have had an adequate chance for vaccination.

“We must be sure that the population most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu is safe and protected before we expand the availability of the vaccine,” said Dr. Eden Wells, state medical epidemiologist. “While more and more vaccine is coming into the state more quickly everyday, we still have to be sure we have an adequate supply for the target groups before opening the vaccine to the general public.”

These target groups are:

• Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza, such as asthma, diabetes, heart, lung or kidney problems or a weakened immune system.

For more information, see www.michigan.gov/flu

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The availability of the H1N1 flu vaccine at West Michigan health departments.

The Kent County Health Department is now offering the H1N1 flu vaccine to all Kent County residents who would like to be vaccinated. Over the last few months, only people in certain priority groups have been eligible to be vaccinated, as Kent County strived to reach those at highest risk for complications from H1N1 influenza, and dealt with limited supplies of vaccine.

“Thanks to the swift response from local health care providers and public health, individuals in the high risk groups have had ample opportunity to be vaccinated, and many have been seized that opportunity,” said Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for KCHD. “At the same time, we are hearing more people outside of those groups asking for vaccine. We feel that this is the right time to offer H1N1 vaccine to all of our residents.”

There are no vaccination clinics scheduled at this time.

Anyone seeking vaccination can contact their health care provider to see if their provider plans to offer the vaccine. If the provider does not plan to offer vaccine, any Kent County resident may make an appointment for the KCHD's clinics. 

For more information, you can call (616) 742-4FLU (4358) or go to stickittotheflu.com.

For information on where to get the seasonal flu shot, please check with participating pharmacies and physicians or visit www.spectrum-health.org/flu

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The Ottawa County Health Department does not have any H1N1 vaccination clinics scheduled at this time. The clinics will be available for those in these priority groups:

• Healthy Ottawa County residents ages 2 through 24 years and ages 25 to 49 years who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Those who are uninsured
• Those who have insurance that does not cover the administration cost
• Those who have a primary health care provider who is not participating in the H1N1 vaccine program

Those who are not eligible for this clinic are encouraged to continue checking with their primary health care provider for the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at www.miOttawa.org/flu. As vaccines becomes more widely available, the health department will offer additional public clinics, which will include shots for a wider range of priority group members. Details are pending.

For more information, visit www.miottawa.org/flu or call the flu hotline at (616) 494-5575 or (616) 393-5632. Keep in touch by searching flu granny on Facebook and becoming a fan.

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Check the Van Buren County Health Department Web site for the latest H1N1 vaccination clinics. The clinics are for:

• Pregnant women
• Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years
• People who live with or care for infants less than 6 months
• People ages 25-64 years old with underlying medical conditions
• Health care workers with direct patient contact

If you do not fit into one of the groups mentioned above, you will not be served. Our H1N1 vaccine supply for these clinics is limited and it is very important to vaccinate those individuals considered highest risk first. If you are 65 years of age or older, regardless of medical condition, you are not considered at highest risk of getting the H1N1 and therefore you WILL NOT be able to be vaccinated at this time. Eventually, once the supply of the vaccine increases, everyone who wants the vaccine will be able to get it. There will be additional clinics to accommodate individuals not in the above target groups and for children less than 10 years of age who will need a second dose of the vaccine.

The vaccine is free of charge.

A registration form for these clinics can be downloaded by clicking here. To shorten your time at the clinic, please bring the completed form with you. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

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Public Health-Muskegon County says Walmart locations in Muskegon County will begin offering the H1N1 flu shot to residents on Dec. 16. Walmart pharmacies will offer the H1N1 flu shot on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to Muskegon County residents over 4 years of age.

Meijer pharmacies within Muskegon County began offering the H1N1 flu shot to residents age 14 and up on Dec. 14. Meijer officials are requesting that residents call their Meijer pharmacy for vaccination questions and availability.

Meijer and Walmart are primarily offering the H1N1 flu vaccine to Muskegon County residents who:

• Do not have insurance
• Insurance only covers a portion or none of the cost of immunization
• Do not have a health care provider
• The H1N1 vaccine is not available at their health care provider office

Walmart and Meijer are offering the H1N1 flu vaccine to Muskegon County residents who fit these categories at no charge. Walmart and Meijer will also offer the H1N1 flu vaccine to insured residents, provided that the pharmacy is able to bill insurance for administrative fees.

Pamida Pharmacy in Whitehall is offering the H1N1 flu nasal spray to healthy individuals ages 2 to 49. Muskegon County residents are asked to call Pamida to ask about vaccination times and availability.

Thanks to the help of Medical Reserve Corp volunteers, Public Health-Muskegon County will start taking appointments for all residents wanting to get the H1N1 flu vaccine at no charge as of Dec. 14. Residents can schedule an appointment to receive the H1N1 flu shot or nasal spray at 209 East Apple Ave. by calling (231) 724-7191 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Public Health-Muskegon County would like to remind residents that the H1N1 flu vaccination is now available to all residents ages 6 months and up. For a complete list of vaccine provider hours and availability, residents can visit the health department's Web site, or call 2-1-1, or contact the vaccination location for specific details.

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The Ionia County Health Department does not have any H1N1 vaccination clinics scheduled at this time.

Call the health department at (616) 527-5341 or visit the Web site for more information.

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Allegan County Health Department is holding H1N1 vaccination clincs at the following times and locations:

• Dec. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fennville High School, 4 S. Memorial
• Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Otsego High School, 550 Washingon

To schedule an appointment, call Allegan Healthcare Group at (269) 686-4350 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department is now offering the H1N1 flu vaccine to all residents who would like to be vaccinated. Appointments are available daily at the Health & Community Services department, 3299 Gull Rd. in Kalamazoo. To schedule an appointment please call (269) 373-5200 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for the vaccine.

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The Calhoun County Public Health Department is offering H1N1 vaccinations at the Toeller Building, 190 E. Michigan Ave., every Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. and Thursday from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

All clinics include H1N1 Booster doses as well.

The clinics are open to all Calhoun County residents who meet the guidelines listed below. No appointment is necessary. The vaccine is free. H1N1 flu shots will be given to Calhoun County residents on a first-come, first-serve basis who meet the guidelines below:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People 6 months through 24 years of age
• People aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)

There has been discussion at the federal level about removing the restrictions and opening H1N1 vaccination to all citizens. However, at this time, restrictions have not been lifted in Calhoun County.

If you received an immunization card when your child received their initial H1N1 vaccination, please bring this card with you. Also please bring your insurance or Medicaid card with you.

If you have any questions concerning the H1N1 influenza virus, please visit the health department's Web site or call (269) 969-6363.

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The Mid-Michigan District Health Department has H1N1 vaccination clinics open to residents of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties. Vaccinations will be offered as long as supplies last. There is no cost to receive the vaccine and no appointment is necessary. In order to be vaccinated, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children ages 9 and younger will need two doses approximately four weeks apart, while persons age 10 and older will need only one dose.

Clinton County
January 20
9-11:30 a.m. and 1-6 p.m.
Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Rd. in St. Johns
For more information, call (989) 224-2195

Gratiot County
No clinics scheduled

Montcalm County
No clinics scheduled

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The District Health Department covers such counties including Mecosta, Newaygo and Oceana. Check the Web site for the latest H1N1 vaccination clinic information. The clinics are open to all residents.

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The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines are available to all Barry and Eaton county residents who would like to be vaccinated.

Barry County

• Jan. 4 from 1-4 p.m.
• Jan. 7 from 1-4 p.m.
• Barry-Eaton District Health Dept. at 330 W. Woodlawn Ave. in Hastings
• Call (269) 945-9516 press 3 then 2 (flu line)

Eaton County

• Jan. 5 from 1-4 p.m.
• Jan. 8 from 1-4 p.m.
• Barry-Eaton District Health Dept. at 1033 Health Care Dr. in Charlotte
• Call (517) 541-2690 (Flu line)

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The Berrien County Health Department will begin offering the H1N1 influenza vaccine in its offices by appointment only. Vaccine restrictions have been lifted and anyone who wishes to be vaccinated can do so. Appointments are available all day in Benton Harbor and Niles beginning Dec. 18 and continuing each Friday through January.

Please call the Benton Harbor office at (269) 927-5636 or Niles office at (269) 684-2800 ext. 5636 Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment.

Appointments will also be available all day in the Three Oaks office every Tuesday in January beginning January 5. Please call the Three Oaks office at (269) 756-2008 Tuesday through Thursday to schedule an appointment.

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The Newaygo County Health Department is scheduling appointments for H1N1 flu vaccinations for high-risk persons only. To receive a vaccine, people must be in one of the target groups recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These groups are: pregnant women, caregivers of infants younger than 6 months, persons ages 6 months to 24 years, people aged 25-64 years with chronic medical conditions, and health care workers.

Vaccine supplies are extremely limited. The health department does not have enough vaccine at this time to provide it to people who are not in these groups. Announcements will be made as more vaccine is received and we are able to offer it more widely. Check the health department's Web site for more information.

If you are in one of these high-risk groups, you may call the Newaygo County Health Department at (231) 689-7300 to schedule an appointment.