Health Department distributes H1N1 vaccine through schools

During the first three weeks of December, the Lincoln Trail District Health Department gave 11,452 H1N1 influenza doses of vaccine in the schools, including 358 shots in LaRue County.

In addition to school-based clinics, H1N1 vaccinations were given by local health departments, Fort Knox officials and pediatricians.

Authorities at the CDC and FDA still are recommending that children who are 9 years old or younger need to receive two doses of the H1N1 influenza vaccine, spaced four4 weeks apart, to be fully protected. The doses can be two shots, two doses of the nasal mist, or one of each.  Lincoln Trail District Health Department officials are consulting with school authorities to arrange the best method for administering second doses to those students who need it.

H1N1 vaccination is open to all and is available free of charge at your local health department. Call 358-3844 to schedule an appointment if need avaccination.

For more information on the H1N1 flu, visit healthalerts.ky.gov for information on H1N1 and Kentucky, including updated information about H1N1 vaccine clinics, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter. Kentucky’s toll-free influenza hotline number is 1-877-843-7727; it operates 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.