H1N1 vaccination clinic set for general public

The shortage of H1N1 flu vaccine across the nation has alleviated and many people who fall within a health priority group has been vaccinated, resulting in Clay County Public Health now having an adequate supply to begin offering the vaccine to all people.

An H1N1 vaccination clinic will be held for the general public on Monday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Spencer Area Activity Center located at Gateway North Center.

Appointments are required. To make an appointment, please call Clay County Public Health's toll-free number, 1-800-848-0638, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Potential vaccine recipients are asked to print and complete the consent form which can be found on the Spencer Hospital Web site at www.spencerhospital.org under the Health & Wellness tab.

"Our staff, particularly Colette Rossiter who coordinates our vaccination clinics year round, have worked incredibly hard during this health emergency to vaccinate people quickly, professionally, and appropriately, according to the health priorities established by the Centers for Disease Control," said Colleen Paulsen, Clay County Public Health Interim Director. "Their work is not done; however, it's now a bit easier, thanks to the ability to have larger quantities of vaccine on hand to meet the public demand."

The numbers of H1N1 flu cases have declined recently, according to Paulsen.

"However, I want to stress that public health officials across the country anticipate those numbers to surge again after the first of the year," she said. "It's not too late to get protected. While many people who have already contracted the H1N1 virus experienced fairly mild to moderate symptoms, it can be life threatening and has been for people across the country."