CITY OF OTTUMWA – NEWS RELEASE

             DATE: November 18, 2009 CONTACT:  Tom Rodgers, Public Information Coordinator – 641 683-0669

PLEASE NOTE: The City of Ottumwa Public Information Office is handling news releases
and media requests on behalf of Wapello County Public Health regarding the H1N1 situation.

…FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Set For Thursday

Wapello County Public Health will hold a walk-in H1N1 Immunization clinic on Thursday, November 19^th, from 7AM to Noon, and 1 PM to 4:15PM.   The vaccine remains targeted to those at highest risk of becoming ill and developing complications.   At this time, the only people authorized to receive the H1N1 vaccine at this time are; pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical personnel, anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age, anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system. 

Wapello County Public Health is also taking appointments for H1N1 vaccinations.  Residents in the priority groups can call 682-5434 to schedule an appointment for the vaccination. The H1N1 vaccine is given free of charge at the Wapello County Public Health Office at 108 E. Main Street.   Wapello County Public Health continues to receive a steady, but limited supply the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. 

Eventually, as the H1N1 vaccine becomes widely available, the groups being offered the vaccines will continue to be expanded. Eventually, it may be offered to anyone who wants to be vaccinated.  Until that time, it remains important to take personal actions to prevent the spread of the virus by covering your cough, cleaning your hands, and containing germs by staying home when ill.