Staff reports
news@jacksonvilleprogress.com
Cherokee County Health Department authorities have announced the county’s weekly schedule for H1N1 flu vaccine distribution begins Monday.
Vaccines will be given at the Rusk clinic at 593 N Main St. and the Jacksonville clinic at 510 E Commerce St. Patients will be accepted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week.
Shots will be available from 1-6 p.m. Mondays at the Rusk clinic, from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday sat the Jacksonville clinic, and from 1-7 p.m. Fridays at the Rusk clinic.
The treatment will be given to priority groups as identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include pregnant women, children 6 months through 4 years of age, those 5 years old through 64 years old with high-risk health conditions, healthcare workers who provide direct patient care, and close contacts of infants 6 months or younger.
Diseases classified as high-risk include chronic lung diseases, neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy, congenital heart diseases, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, blood disorders, diabetes, kidney disorders and liver disorders.
Those with weakened immune systems due to disease or medications and those under 19 years of age receiving long-term aspirin therapy are also considered to be at high risk.
H1N1 vaccinations are provided at no cost to the public. More priority groups may be added in the near future.
