Health Department plans H1N1 clinic

The Rowan County Health Department is holding an H1N1 vaccination walk-in clinic for target groups today from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the health department, 1811 E. Innes St.

Everyone attending the clinic will be reviewed for vaccination eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

The vaccine is available until it is gone and is also free.

This clinic is for people in high-risk groups, which includes pregnant women, children ages six months to 24 years old, caretakers of children less than six months old, emergency workers, healthcare workers and individuals 25 to 64 years old with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system that put them at higher risk for flu related complications.

These individuals may not receive the live vaccine if they have:

- An allergy to one of the components of the H1N1 LAIV:

- H1N1 LAIV contains eggs.

- H1N1 LAIV does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives.

H1N1 is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity, especially anaphylactic reactions to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine (an amino acid) or with life threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations.

- Have had a serious reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past

- A history of Guillain-Barr Syndrome or an occurrence of any neurological symptom following any vaccine.

- Any one of the health conditions listed above.

- Completed antiviral therapy within the last 48 hours.

- Received a live vaccine within the past month or plan to get a live vaccine within the next month.