H1N1 clinic to have more vaccinators

After a healthy public response last week and with more vaccine available, Flathead City-County Health department has doubled the number of vaccinators for the next H1N1 flu vaccine clinic.

The Wednesday clinic offers free immunizations against H1N1 (swine flu) from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Trade Center Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Jody White, director of Community Health Services, said the department added more nurses and paramedics to handle a robust demand for immunizations.

"We're hoping to move people through more quickly," she said.

Due to this special clinic, the health department will hold its regular Wednesday immunization clinic from 8 a.m. to noon at the department located at 1035 First Avenue West.

People eligible to receive vaccine this week include children six months through 19, caregivers of children under six months and those over 19 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

According to White, the H1N1 clinic held last week at the department had, at one point, a line outside the door and into the parking lot. People waited an average of an hour.

With double the number of vaccinators, the wait should be shorter this week. The Trade Center Building also offers more room for people to wait inside if necessary.

White said the department received about a third more vaccine this week than recent shipments.

"This is the largest allotment that we've received," she said. "We were pleasantly surprised."

As a result, health officials expanded the clinic to serve two new tiers of priority groups - caregivers of children under six months old plus people over 19 years old with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

To receive an H1N1 vaccination, those with high-risk medical conditions must obtain a prescription from a health-care provider specifying need for the vaccine.

"Most people call and have their providers fax their prescription to the department," White said.

Providers may use 751-8102 to fax prescriptions that the department needs by noon Wednesday. Others may bring their prescriptions with them to the clinic.

For more information, call the flu hot line 751-8188 or check the department Web site www.flatheadhealth.org.

Health officials distribute the vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis. White said that the department sent a portion of the vaccine shipment to local hospitals and the larger clinics to immunize health-care workers.

The health department is assisting with vaccinating people in the health care field.

According to White, the department is still hiring registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and paramedics to help out as needed with clinics. Nurses may apply through local job service and paramedics through Express Personnel.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.