County Health Departments To Begin Administering H1N1 Vaccine

Governor Bob Riley and Dr. Don Williamson, state health officer, held a news conference Tuesday morning to talk about the latest developments in the H1N1 outbreak in Alabama. Starting Wednesday, county health departments across the state will start to administer a limited number of doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine, but only to individuals in targeted high-risk groups.

Statewide, the health department has 55,000 doses available at this time.

• Pregnant women
• Children six months through four years
• Parents, siblings and caregivers of children less than six months old
• Children five to 18 years who have underlying medical conditions
• Health care workers

Dr. Williamson says there's a reason for the focus on children and those around them.

"In the nation, we are seeing historic rates of pediatric disease and deaths in children, so it is extremely important for us to focus on those individuals being at greatest risk," said Dr. Williamson. "Also, we are seeing higher death rates in pregnant women, so it's important for pregnant women to take advantage of this."

The number of vaccine doses sent to each county health department has been allocated based on population. To see when counties are holding shot clinics -- visit Alabama Department of Public Health's Vaccine Finder.

There have been 22 confirmed deaths from the H1N1 virus in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Public Health says the two most recent deaths were a woman in her 80s in Shelby County, and a woman in her 70s in Talladega County.

If you're having a hard time tracking down the regular flu vaccine for seasonal flu shots, there is hope! FSG Immunizations is a mobile flu shot clinic that's travelling across Alabama. The clinic was set up for the day at Dublin Park inside of the recreation building, dozens of people came out to receive the shot. Friday the mobile clinic will be at Athens Creekside Drugs off of Highway 31 South from 8am to 12 pm. Both regular flu shots as well as pneumonia shots will be offered for a fee.

Remember to bring your insurance card with you. Depending on your insurance provider you may not have to pay for the vaccine. Flu shots are $20 and pneumonia shots are $35. Depending on your insurance provider you may not have to pay for the vaccine, so bring your insurance card.