H1N1 vaccine available in St. Charles, Nov. 21
For a second consecutive weekend, the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is partnering with SARA Services to conduct a public H1N1 flu vaccination clinic for county residents. The clinic will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Stegton Conference Center, 1450 Wall St. in St. Charles.
“We had a wonderful response to our first H1N1 clinic on Nov. 14,” said Bruce Megenhardt, director of operations for SARA Services. “We were able to vaccinate more than 1,200 people, and most patients were in and out in 15 minutes or less.”
“Last Saturday’s clinic by SARA Services served the public well,” said Gil Copley, director of the Department of Community Health and the Environment. “People weren’t forced to wait for hours in long lines. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.”
More than 800 doses of H1N1 vaccine will be available at the Nov. 21 clinic. Because of the limited supply of vaccine, only those falling into one of the five following categories will receive vaccinations. They are:
§ Pregnant women
§ People age 4 to 24
§ People age 25 to 64 with health conditions that make them more susceptible to flu complications
§ People who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age
§ Emergency medical services and health care workers.
Pregnant women are especially encouraged to attend this clinic, as there will be an ample supply of preservative-free vaccine available. In addition to H1N1 vaccine, a small number of seasonal flu shots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants can pre-register for the clinic by visiting FluShotsToday.com. Pre-registration is strongly recommended, but not required. There will be a $15 administration charge for the H1N1 vaccination. For more information about the flu, including future clinic times and locations, visit www.FightTheFluMO.com or call toll-free 1-877-358-4141.
“For most people, the best way to obtain a vaccination is through their regular health care provider,” Copley said. “But providers like SARA Services help us reach those who might not otherwise have a chance to get vaccinated.”
The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is committed to the protection and enhancement of health and the quality of life for all members of our community. For more information, call 636-949-7400 or visit scchealth.org.
