H1N1 vaccinations now available for all

Now anyone in Craven County who wants an H1N1 flu vaccination can get it through the Craven County Health Department.

The first cases of H1N1 influenza in North Carolina were in Craven County in the spring of 2008, which heightened concern about its threat here for many who were not included among the first target groups eligible to get the vaccine.

Beginning this week, the health department will begin vaccinating the general public, said Summerly Cotten, adult health clinic coordinator. “… That means anybody who wants the vaccine,” she said. “We have pretty much saturated those target populations that were identified by the CDC.”

Vaccine inventories were initially given only to pregnant women, those who live with or care for children younger than six months old, health care and emergency medical services personnel, people between six months and 24 years old, and adults 25 to 64 years old with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

“The CDC is recommending the vaccine to all regardless of whether you think you may have already had the flu,” said Cotten. “Since we are not currently testing specifically for H1N1 you cannot be sure that is the virus you actually had. We need to remember that although the current wave of the virus seems to be winding down there is a very good probability we will see a third wave during our traditional flu season of January to March.”

H1N1 vaccine is free of charge. Call the Health Department at 252-636-4920 for an appointment. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Craven County Health Department officials urge residents to “be proactive and protect your health. Get vaccinated now.”

Craven County residents may call 252-636-4920 for an H1N1 flu vaccine appointment or check with their physicians’ offices, many of whom also have vaccine.

The Pamlico County Health Department still has two clinics scheduled for target groups, one Saturday and another on Monday. After that, the department will begin giving H1N1 vaccine to others and expects to have sufficient vaccine for those who want it.

H1N1 flu health fairs are also scheduled this week for active duty Marines and their dependents at Cherry Point air station while supplies last.

The fairs will have H1N1 and seasonal live vaccine for those 2 to 49 years old, H1N1 inactivated vaccine for those 4 years old and older, and inactivated seasonal flu vaccine for those three years old or older.

The Cherry Point Flu Health Fairs are scheduled for Dec. 2 and 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. Information is available by calling 252-466-0328.

Cherry Point vaccine will be administered first to active duty personnel, followed by dependants in the CDC priority groups.