The first shipment of H1N1 Injectable vaccine has arrived at the East Metro Health District serving Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Counties. 15,200 doses of vaccine arrived at the district office late Friday. The vaccine is being disseminated within the five health department clinics, first responders, major clinics, and some doctor’s offices.

Health Department clinics in Lawrenceville, Norcross, Buford, Conyers, and Covington will begin providing the H1N1 injectable vaccine today, Nov. 2. 

Vaccine will be provided at no charge to the client. Persons are encouraged to bring their Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance cards with them, for proper billing.    

“This shipment represents a small portion of the overall amount of vaccine we expect to receive over the next few weeks and months,” said Dr. Lloyd Hofer, public health director for the East Metro Health District.  “It is expected there will eventually be enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.”

The priority groups, recommended by the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to first receive the H1N1 injectable vaccine include:

·          Pregnant women

·          Health care and emergency medical personnel

·          People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months

·          Anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age, and

·          Anyone from 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza related complications 

“This vaccine is manufactured the same way as other flu vaccines have been made,” says Alana Sulka, director for epidemiology and community health for the East Metro Health District.  “Persons within the priority groups wanting to receive the vaccine should contact their primary health care provider to determine whether they should be vaccinated and to discuss any questions they may have.” 

In addition, the health department will be hosting a Saturday clinic on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the clinics in Rockdale and Lawrenceville to offer the vaccine after hours to persons who fall into the priority groups recommended by the CDC.  

As vaccine supply becomes available, additional free public events will be held over the next weeks and months. 

For more information visit: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents

Department of Community Health: www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu

East Metro Health Department: www.eastmetrohealth.com