H1N1 or Swine Flu Vaccinations in Ohio
Where Can Parents get the H1N1 Vaccine in the State of Ohio
Nov 6, 2009
The Center for Disease Control recommends that children over the age of six months get vaccinated against the 2009 strain of H1N1 flu or swine flu. H1N1 flu may be receiving a lot of news coverage or just a little, depending on the state. In the state of Ohio, H1N1 flu, or swine flu, has been a headline news story for months.
Local Health Departments are Receiving the VaccineOhio pediatricians are not getting the H1N1 or swine flu vaccination in the early fall when it is most needed. Some pediatricians' offices currently have a waiting list for the vaccine, but according to the Ohio Department of Health's website, vaccines are going to clinics being held through county health departments.
County health departments in Ohio are receiving the vaccines at this time. Each county seems to be different when it comes to which groups are permitted to get the vaccine. In one county, only children up to the age of nine are eligible for the vaccine and in the neighboring county, vaccines are being provided for young adults up to the age of 24. Each county also seems to have its own rules related to residency. Some counties will only offer vaccines to its own residents while others offer vaccines to everyone as long as they fit into one of the target groups.
As local health departments obtain shipments of the vaccine, they are offering clinics to individuals that fit certain target groups because of the vaccine shortage. The target groups in the state of Ohio include: children aged six months to 4 years old, children over the age of 5 through the age of 18 with chronic health problems, individuals who care for infants younger than six months, pregnant women, health care workers or emergency workers and those with compromised immune systems.
Parents Must Stay Informed
For parents interested in obtaining the vaccine for their children, it's important to stay informed. Each county is different so it's imperative to contact local health departments to determine their target groups and when a clinic might be held. Clinics in the state of Ohio are vary greatly when it comes to wait time and number of vaccine doses available. Some counties only have 20-minute waits while others have lines in which people wait more than two hours to receive their shots. Parents must also be aware that there is a pre-registration process that can save time. This registration is available through the Ohio Department of Health's website.
Parents may also have questions related to whether or not their child will receive the nasal vaccination or the injection. According to the Ohio Department of Health. typically, children over the age of two will receive the nasal vaccination as long as there are no underlying health concerns like asthma.
Parents are coming up with many questions regarding the vaccination. There are questions regarding how many vaccinations young children should have and how long a child must wait between vaccines. There are also questions related to whether or not a child can get a seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine in the same week. The Ohio Department of Health is offering an information line to assist in answering these questions. The phone number to this information line is 1-866-800-1404.
Always Use Universal Precautions
Regardless of whether or not a person receives the seasonal or H1N1 vaccination, everyone should continue to use universal precautions to stay healthy. Wash hands regularly and use alcohol based hand sanitizer. It's recommended that people cover sneezes or coughs with a tissue, shirt-sleeve or elbow. Individuals shouldn't touch their nose, eyes or mouth because that's an easy way to spread germs. People are also advised to stay home if they are feeling ill and stay away from individuals who are sick.
Parents who are interested in learning more about H1N1 vaccinations in the state of Ohio should contact their local health department or the state department of health.
 |
