H1N1 Flu Clinic on Thursday

The eighth in a series of H1N1 flu clinics sponsored by Mass Dispensing Area 36 (MDA 36) is scheduled:

Thursday, December 3

Noon - 6:00 PM

Middletown Municipal Building Council Chamber.

The clinic is free and open only to residents of Cromwell, Durham, Haddam, Middlefield, and Middletown. The vaccine will be given out by appointment. Proof of age and residency will be required.

Most of the H1N1 flu vaccine will be administered by nasal spray. Residents eligible to receive the nasal spray must be 2 - 24 years of age in good health, or healthy individuals who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, or are certified emergency medical personnel (license required) who are in good health, or healthcare workers (including school nurses) who are in good health and have direct patient contact (especially with children).

Only one dose of nasal spray is needed to protect adults against H1N1 flu. However, children under the age of 10 who receive the vaccine mist must receive a second dose in about 30 days (parents or guardians should check with their health care provider to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for their child). Children who have already received their first dose, and due for another, can receive their second dose at this clinic (influenza vaccination card must be presented). The spray does not contain preservatives such as thimerisol and does not cause the flu.

Pregnant women cannot receive nasal spray but can get the vaccine by intramuscular injection (shot). Individuals who live with or care for children less than 6 months of age, all children 6 months - 6 years of age, children and young adults 7 - 24 with high - risk medical conditions, certified emergency medical personnel (license required), or healthcare workers (including school nurses) with direct patient care (especially with children) can receive an injection. Persons aged 25 - 64 who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications are also eligible to get a shot. People who have a severe allergy to eggs should not receive the vaccine.

The H1N1 vaccine is not effective against seasonal influenza.

More H1N1 flu clinics are expected to be scheduled for other segments of the population. The clinics are sponsored by MDA 36: the City of Middletown and the towns of Cromwell, Durham, Haddam and Middlefield.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (860) 344-3474.