H1N1 clinic tomorrow at Kann. Middle School

By Emily Ford

eford@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — The Cabarrus Health Alliance will hold two swine flu vaccination clinics at public schools.

Kannapolis Middle School will host a clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at 1445 Oakwood Ave. in Kannapolis.

Concord High School, located at 481 Burrage Road Northeast in Concord, will host another clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday.

Dr. William F. Pilkington, public health director, said the health alliance will continue to "push out" the H1N1 vaccine to the target populations.

Holding clinics at schools may improve convenience for some people and increase access to the vaccine, Pilkington said.

So far, the health alliance has administered more than 3,400 doses.

Vaccinations are available for the following target groups, based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

- Pregnant women

- Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age (for example, parents, siblings and daycare providers)

- Health care and emergency medical services personnel

- People from 6 months through 24 years of age

- People aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complication (diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, weakened immune system)

Participants are not charged a fee and should bring their insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards.

People with flu-like symptoms are not eligible for vaccination.

As more vaccine becomes available, the health alliance will add more clinics.

For more information, visit www.cabarrushealth.org or call the Cabarrus Health Alliance Health Information Line at 704-920-1213.