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Ocean County Health Department scheduled four more H1N1 vaccine clinics
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TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Health Department has received an additional 10,000 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine.
The shipment was delivered Wednesday, according to Daniel Regenye, assistant public health coordinator.
The Health Department will hold three clinics to administer the vaccine to the priority groups identified by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the next few weeks. The OCHD also will be holding an H1N1 injectable clinic for healthcare workers and those with special needs. That clinic is scheduled to take place Nov. 16, Regenye said.
Regenye added that the OCHD is working with the county EMS coordinator to set up a clinic for emergency medical workers but that they could get the vaccine at the Nov. 16 clinic.
"They would just have to show their identification," he said.
So far, the OCHD has held eight H1N1 vaccine clinics - five injectable clinics and three intranasal flu mist clinics. At a clinic in Jackson Township late last month, officials said, about 1,000 people were turned away because there was not enough vaccine.
"People are becoming more aware of the need to be immunized against H1N1 and we are looking at the priority populations and the best way to reach these populations," Regenye said.
OCHD spokeswoman Leslie Terjesen said Friday that the department is still focusing on the priority groups identified by the CDC, although enough vaccine has been ordered that eventually, anyone requesting it can receive it.
The four upcoming clinics will be organized exactly like a clinic held last week at Southern Regional Middle School, Regenye said. Those waiting to be vaccinated were given tickets and had to complete necessary paperwork.
Because three of the clinics will again be held at schools, Regenye said, the OCHD is encouraging the public not to line up early. Last week, about 2,000 vehicles lined up to receive injectable vaccines at Southern Regional Middle School.
"I don't know how we would be able to prevent it. We just encourage the public not to line up early because having that many people congregate at a school is problematic for the safety of the students," he said.
Contact Donna Weaver:
609-226-9198
The following is a schedule of the upcoming clinics:
Central Regional High School
Forest Hills Parkway, Bayville
5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Southern Regional Middle School
Cedar Bridge Road, Stafford Township
Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14.
Ocean County Health Department
175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River
1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.
*This clinic is for health care workers and people with special medical needs. Health care workers must provide current work identification or a letter from their employer stating their employment status. No appointment necessary.
*Individuals with special health needs considerations, including women in their third trimester of pregnancy, must call 732-341-9700, ext. 7502, to make an appointment.
Toms River High School North (Ritacco Center)
Old Freehold Road, Toms River
4 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Posted in Breaking, Ocean on Friday, November 6, 2009 5:25 pm
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