Washtenaw County sets next swine flu clinic in Manchester

The next mass H1N1 vaccination clinic for Washtenaw County residents in the priority groups will take place at Manchester High School on Dec. 5, the county public health department announced today.

Vaccinations will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m., or until the last person with a wristband is served. Wristbands will be provided to eligible people on site starting at 9 a.m.

It will be the county's fifth mass swine flu vaccination clinic. Despite long lines, the clinics have run fairly smoothly, including the latest one at Eastern Michigan University's Convocation Center on Sunday and another a week before at Pioneer High School.

Officials said Saturday's mass swine flu clinic ran smoothly.

The Dec. 5 clinic will take place at the new high school, 20500 Dutch Drive.

As with prior clinics, a wristband indicates the individual has been screened for eligibility and a dose is available. Wristbands are available while supplies last.

Parents and guardians may pick up wristbands for their children and return with the children at the appointed time. A parent or guardian must accompany minors under 18 during vaccination. In addition, individuals can pick up wristbands for those with physical disabilities affecting mobility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, priority groups for H1N1 vaccine include:Â

Pregnant women.
Caregivers of infants younger than 6 months old.
Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient care.
Individuals from 6 months through 24 years old.
Individuals ages 25 through 64 with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of flu-related complications. Examples of underlying medical conditions include: chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD; weakened immune systems; cancer, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders; cardiovascular disease (except hypertension); and other conditions.

Individuals within these priority groups should live, work or attend school in Washtenaw
County. Specific documentation of underlying medical conditions or residency is not required. Health care and emergency services personnel should bring their employment identification.

Public Health will provide both H1N1 flu shots and the FluMist (nasal spray). Preservative free, injectable H1N1 vaccine is not currently available at the scheduled clinic.

For updates to the H1N1 vaccination clinic schedule, visit www.ewashtenaw.org/flu. Public health nurses and health educators are available to answer more detailed H1N1 questions at 734-544-6700.