H1N1 vaccine clinics to be available this week

STAFF REPORT

AUSTINTOWN — The Mahoning County District Board of Health has scheduled additional school-based, walk-in H1N1 vaccine clinics beginning Wednesday for children requiring a second dose of vaccine.

A schedule of clinics can be found on the health board’s H1N1 Web page at www.mahoninghealth.org, then click on H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children younger than 10 get two doses of H1N1 vaccine that are separated by at least 21 days.

Parents whose children are receiving their second dose of vaccine should bring their vaccination card from the first clinic.

Health Commissioner Matthew Stefanak said vaccine will be available at these clinics for pregnant women, preschoolers, young adults under 25, health-care workers, caregivers of infants under 6 months, and adults 25-64 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

Other people receiving their first dose of vaccine can download, complete and print vaccine consent forms from the District Board of Health H1N1 Web page before coming to the clinic. Vaccine information statements and consent forms also will be available at the clinics.