By Richard Kerns
rkerns@newstribune.info
Tribune Staff Writer
KEYSER – With Mineral County schools closed next week, the swine flu vaccination effort temporarily shifts back to the Health Department, where a clinic will be held Monday afternoon for adults with chronic illnesses.
Unlike previous clinics, which were first-come, first-served for those who met the parameters, the Monday vaccinations will be by appointment only. The clinic is targeted at individuals age 25-64 who have chronic illnesses and are thus more susceptible to contracting the flu.
The health department is closed through the weekend. However, anyone in that age and health category is urged to call the department Monday morning to line up an appointment. The phone number is 304-788-1321.
A.J. Root, health department administrator, said appointment slots have been filled for the early morning hours, but are available late Monday morning and throughout
(See FLU P. 7A)
the afternoon.
Previous clinics have provided the vaccinations to pregnant women, first-responders, health care workers and young people with chronic illnesses, with the programs targeted first at those who are most vulnerable to the flu.
Following those clinics, the program moved to the county school system, where clinics have been held at all but four Mineral County schools. That effort continued right up to Friday afternoon, with health care workers providing vaccinations to students at Keyser Primary Middle School.
The only schools left are Fountain Primary School, whose students will be offered the vaccine on Nov. 30, Keyser and Frankfort high schools, and Frankfort Intermediate School. Clinics will be conducted at those remaining three schools either the first or second week of December.
At that point, Root said, a final clinic will be held for any student or member of the earlier groups who has not yet received the vaccine. The vaccine will then be made available to the general population.
Root said he would have liked to offer the vaccine to the public earlier – especially older residents – but the health department is following guidelines developed by the CDC in the face of limited supply of the vaccine.
“There has been a high demand in our older population, but we've got to follow the CDC guidelines,” he said.
In addition to conducting the vaccination clinics, the health department has worked in partnership with the Keyser Rite Aid pharmacy to provide medicine at a minimal cost to anyone suffering from flu-like symptoms who does not have insurance or is under-insured. Residents will still have to obtain a prescription for Tamiflu, but the Rite Aid program will provide the medicine for $10, or about one-tenth the full price those without insurance would otherwise pay.
Root thanked area residences for their patience and understanding during the vaccine distribution process, especially those who want the shot but have not yet been able to receive it because of their age or health status. “For the most part everybody has been pretty understanding about it,” he said.
Root also thanked health department staff who have worked far beyond their normal hours to coordinate and conduct the clinics. He said area health care workers have also volunteered to help out at the clinics, including Friday's session at KPMS.
“The staff has just been great,” he said. “I can't commend them enough.”
Even with a limited supply of the vaccine and the occasional resident who demands to be served outside the established protocol, Root said one of the biggest challenges with the entire process has been dealing with misinformation. “That's been one of the worst problems we've had,” he said.
Root encouraged residents with questions to visit the health department's Web site at www.mineralcountyhealthdepartment.com, where extensive and factual information is provided about the pandemic and the vaccine.
