Johnson County Health Dept. Getting Ready For H1N1 Clinic

By Chris Earl, Anchor/Reporter

Tools

By Chris Earl

Story Created: Nov 1, 2009 at 3:55 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 1, 2009 at 8:14 PM CST

JOHNSON COUNTY - 900 doses of H1N1 vaccine available, without charge, for specific groups at Johnson County's first vaccine clinic this Wednesday.

Doug Beardsley is getting ready for tight space in the Johnson County Public Health Department office.

On Wednesday, the county will hold its first H1N1 vaccine clinic at the department office at 855 S. Dubuque Street.

Appointments are mandatory for the two sessions, from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM.

"Just a little under 900 doses here at the Health Department," Beardsley said for the available doses with the first clinic.

Illness and H1N1 concerns are a priority in Johnson County. Just a few weeks back, Iowa City's City High School had a substantial amount of students absent, many with illnesses.

On Wednesday, Johnson County will have its first H1N1 vaccine clinic with the vaccines targeted to a very specific group.

Those eligible for the vaccine:

- Health care workers
- Parents/caregivers of infants
- Children between 6 months od and 4 years of age.

Beardsley added that Johnson County has a higher than normal percentage of health care workers. The reason for the appointments is more than just keeping the department from getting crowded. "If you show up, you'll know you will get vaccine," he said.

Last Tuesday, Jackson County hosted this H1N1 vaccine clinic in Maqukeota, distributing 200 vaccines as people came from outside the county.

Beardsley adds for Wednesday's clinic in Iowa City -- people who set up appointments do not have to live in Johnson County and that his staff is prepared to serve as many people in the "higher risk groups" as possible.

The plan is to keep Wednesday clinics in place.

"We're anticipating vaccine will continue to arrive and we can get it out," Beardsley said.

All to get the point where vaccines will be available for more people and not just health care workers, some parents and young children.

To set up an appointment for Wednesday's clinic, call this number: 319-356-6038. There is no charge for people to get either the nasal mist or the vaccine shot.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG