CDHD modifies groups to who can get H1N1 shots at Friday's clinic

The Central District Health Department will offer the H1N1 flu vaccine for "priority group" people from 12:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Mountain Home Junior High School.

In response to smaller than expected deliveries of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine the Central District Health Department (CDHD) is narrowing its definition of priority groups -- those people most at risk of serious complications of the flu.

The primary effect of the change will be to limit the number of people allowed to get the vaccine.

Following the guidance of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, CDHD will limit access to the vaccine to the following groups:

* Pregnant women,

* People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,

* Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact (i.e. diagnosing and treating patients with flu-like illness),

* Children 6 months through 4 years of age, and

* Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, or are immune-compromised because of cancer treatment or HIV.

See the Mountain Home News for the complete story.