Fri Feb 03 2012
by Laura Freeman
Reporter
Hudson -- The line wound through the hallway, rotunda and outside around the building to the end of the parking lot, but it moved steadily as pregnant women and young children waited for their turn to receive either a nasal mist or shot for H1N1.
More than 2,300 people were vaccinated against the H1N1 flu Oct. 27 between 4 and 8 p.m. at Hudson Community Chapel.
The Chapel was the first point of distribution site in Summit County for H1N1 vaccinations. Other sites are listed on the www.summitflu.org site. The vaccines were distributed on a first come, first served basis, and registration forms were available online and at the site.
Those who qualified -- pregnant women, young children and other high-risk groups -- were given laminated number cards for shots and pink wristbands for the nasal spray. Others were turned away who were not in the high risk groups, including senior citizens, who were told they may be vaccinated when supplies become available.
Medical Reserve Corps coordinator Marlene Martin said Hudson was chosen because the organization wanted a site in northern Summit County, and Hudson Community Chapel had a large parking area, was accessible to handicap individuals and was easy to get to.
"They worked with us and were a great host," Martin said.
Martin said 20 Summit County MRC volunteers helped with the registration and inoculation. Most are medical professionals who donate their services in emergency or pandemic situations.
Donna Skoda, director of planning and policy for the Summit County Health District, said 785 injections and 1,500 flu mists were available and distributed.
Martin said more than 2,285 doses were given, as children under 36 months only require a half dose. Workers remained until approximately 8 p.m. so that everyone in line with a card or wristband was inoculated.
Children 9 and under require a second dose after four weeks, Martin said.
"Parents shouldn't worry if it isn't exactly four weeks," Martin said. "It can be longer but not shorter than four weeks."
The H1N1 vaccine clinic Oct. 27 focused on pregnant women, people who live or care for children less than 6 months old, people 6 months to 24 years old, people ages 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions, and healthcare and emergency medical workers as recommended by the Centers of Disease Control.
These high risk groups are at greater risk of contracting the flu and getting complications of a secondary illness, Martin said.
Virginia Comi of Stow brought her three children, Marie, 9, John, 4, and Nick, 2, to be inoculated.
"I want to protect them," Comi said. "My middle child is in pre-school, and it's like a petri-dish there."
Pam Schuellerman of Hudson said she came to stay healthy and as a precaution. Her four children received the mists.
"It scares the heck out of me," Schuellerman said. "People recommend it. I did have trepidation about it, but feel it's the right thing to do."
Vanessa Letera of Cuyahoga Falls is eight months pregnant and received a preservative-free dose shot.
"My obstetrician suggested I get it for my safety and for the baby," Letera said. "It's basically for protection."
Kristi Miller of Hudson is 20 weeks pregnant, and her doctor recommended the shot. Her two daughters, Megan, 4, and Alli, 2, also received shots because they have asthma.
E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Hudsonhubtimes.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Record Publishing Co, LLC. 1995-2011. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications