SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Officials with the Clark County Combined Health District said children 9 years of age or younger who received their first dose of vaccine during the clinic on Oct. 27 or Nov. 3 are now eligible for their second dose and are strongly urged to receive it at the H1N1 Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The clinic will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue til 8 p.m.

“Clinical trials of the H1N1 vaccine conducted by the NIH (National Institute of Health) indicate that a limited percentage of children who are vaccinated with the first dose show strong immunity to H1N1 flu”, said Christina Conover, Director of Nursing at the Health District. “It’s very important for children to receive their second doses.”

The Health District hopes for a good turnout of children who received their first dose of vaccine 28 days ago so their H1N1 vaccination process can be completed. Doses should be separated by 4 weeks (regardless of whether it was the shot or nasal spray). According to the Centers for Disease Control, the first dose "primes" the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose of vaccine when they need two doses may have reduced protection.

H1N1 Vaccinations will continue to be offered to high risk target groups at the Dec. 1 clinic:
* pregnant women
* people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
* healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
* persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
* people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for complications from H1N1 flu because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

The Health District regrets that due to federal guidelines that they are not yet able to offer the H1N1 vaccine to persons over age 64. Local residents are encouraged to watch the Health District website and the media for news of expanded eligibility in the near future.