WOOD RIVER, IL (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
There is no longer a shortage of H1N1 vaccine in Illinois or Missouri. Both states now have sufficient supplies on hand to offer the vaccinations to anyone. Earlier clinics had been restricted to first responders, pregnant women, caretakers and others at high risk of developing serious complications if they caught the so-called "swine flu."
Madison County's Health Department ran its first open clinic for H1N1 Wednesday morning at the department's office in Wood River, Illinois. The staff provided 569 shots or nasal mist doses in three hours with only brief waiting periods.
Health experts warn even though flu cases decreased in November a new wave of the highly contagious virus is anticipated after the first of the year. "We encourage everyone to get the vaccine now that it is open to everyone," said Amy Yeager of the Madison County Health Department.
This week's recall of some pediatric doses in pre-filled syringes has not caused problems. Yeager said most doses from the firm had already been used. They were recalled because the strength of the immunizing agent had dropped slightly during its shelf life.
Madison County has 268,000 residents. More than 16,000 have been vaccinated against the H1N1 flu. Some commercial drug store chains will receive their own doses through a separate federal government program. The health department provides the shots at no cost. Doctors and other providers are free to charge an administrative fee. Taxpayers, through the federal government, are financing the cost of the vaccine.
Madison County's Health Department ran its first open clinic for H1N1 Wednesday morning at the department's office in Wood River, Illinois. The staff provided 569 shots or nasal mist doses in three hours with only brief waiting periods.
Health experts warn even though flu cases decreased in November a new wave of the highly contagious virus is anticipated after the first of the year. "We encourage everyone to get the vaccine now that it is open to everyone," said Amy Yeager of the Madison County Health Department.
This week's recall of some pediatric doses in pre-filled syringes has not caused problems. Yeager said most doses from the firm had already been used. They were recalled because the strength of the immunizing agent had dropped slightly during its shelf life.
Madison County has 268,000 residents. More than 16,000 have been vaccinated against the H1N1 flu. Some commercial drug store chains will receive their own doses through a separate federal government program. The health department provides the shots at no cost. Doctors and other providers are free to charge an administrative fee. Taxpayers, through the federal government, are financing the cost of the vaccine.
