Over 100 children get H1N1 vaccine

MOUNT VERNON – Just over 100 medically fragile children received the H1N1 vaccine last night during a special clinic at the Knox County Health Department.


The health department will conduct another clinic for medically fragile children Wednesday from 4:30 to 7 p.m.


Medically fragile children include those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or illnesses that weaken the immune system, or those who take medications that can weaken the immune system.  Parents DO NOT need to bring proof of their child’s medical condition. All medically fragile children will receive the vaccine in the form of an injection or shot. There will be more than 1,000 doses available in shot form.


On Sat., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the health department will offer the H1N1 vaccine for all children ages 2-24 years in the form of nasal spray or injection. There will be more than 1,500 doses of nasal spray available. Pediatric vaccine for children ages 6-35 months is also expected.


All clinics will take place at the health department, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Rd. The H1N1 vaccine is free from the health department.


Parental consent forms returned to schools last week are now at the health department. Parents can pick them up when they attend the Wednesday or Saturday clinic. If parents did not return the consent form to the school, they are advised to bring it to the clinic. For those who do not have a consent form to complete, there will be extras at the clinic site. Parents can also download the form from the health department website at www.knoxhealth.com.


All children under 18 years of age will need a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Youth ages 19-24 can sign for themselves.