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Release to Community
Bruce W. Dixon, M.D., Director
Guillermo Cole, Public Information Officer
412-578-8004, e-mail: gcole@achd.net
County Health Department to Offer Free
H1N1 Vaccinations
at Four Clinics Nov. 21
Due to a short supply, H1N1 vaccinations are being limited to those who are most vulnerable. The Allegheny County Health Department will offer H1N1 influenza vaccines to certain priority groups at four free clinics this Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The clinics will be held at:
- Chartiers Valley High School, 50 Thoms Run Road, Collier;
- McKeesport High School, 1960 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport;
- North Allegheny High School, 10375 Perry Highway, McCandless;
- and the former Reizenstein Middle School (now Schenley High School), 129 Denniston Avenue, East Liberty.
“Because supplies are limited, these clinics will only be providing vaccine at this time to those most vulnerable to the H1N1 influenza virus,” said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon.
The priority groups include:
● Individuals between the ages of six months and 24 years;
● People who live with or care for children younger than six months;
Pregnant women;
● Health care providers and emergency medical services personnel;
● People 25 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease and neurocognitive or neuromuscular disorders.
H1N1 is currently affecting primarily younger people, with more than 70% of the reported cases in Pennsylvania involving people under the age of 25. Since those 65 and older represent less than 2% of all local cases, they are being asked to wait for H1N1 vaccine until supplies increase.
“It makes sense to vaccinate those who are most vulnerable with our limited supply of vaccine because it not only will protect them but also will help slow the spread of H1N1 to others in our community who aren’t yet being affected to the same extent,” said Dr. Dixon.
Vaccines will be available in both the injectable and nasal spray form. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No appointment is necessary.
To expedite the flow of traffic through the clinics, health officials recommend downloading the vaccination consent form on the Health Department’s web site, www.achd.net, and taking the completed form to their clinic.
As more H1N1 vaccine becomes available, the Health Department plans to schedule additional clinics and offer vaccinations to other members of the community.
For more information, please call 412-687-ACHD. Visit our web site at: www.achd.net.
