Swine flu shots in Norwalk

Written by Carrie Schmelkin, Reporter
Thursday, 12 November 2009 09:41

UPDATED STORY

In addition to contacting their private physicians to see if they carry the H1N1 vaccine, New Canaan residents who fall into one of the five priority groups of those eligible to receive the vaccine may make an appointment with the Norwalk Health Department for today, Thursday, November 12, between 2 to 4 p.m.

Those recommended for vaccination include pregnant women; those who live with or care for an infant under six months old; health care personnel who have direct contact with patients; children six months to four years old, and children ages five to 18 with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for influenza complications.

These are the priority groups that were determined as of Tuesday, said Director of Health Dr. Rich Werner, who also noted that those groups keep expanding each week.

“H1N1 is much more contagious than seasonal flu, because mankind hasn’t been exposed to this virus,” he said of why more people are recommended for vaccination.

New Canaan residents have been flocking to Norwalk to receive the vaccine since the department began offering it in late October. New Canaan does not have enough of the vaccine to hold public clinics, said Werner.

“At this point in time, because of the limited vaccine available, it’s more efficient to have one area that’s already set up and operational to give the vaccine to New Canaan and Norwalk residents because the vaccine is delivered directly to Norwalk,” he said.

If the vaccine becomes unlimited or distributed in a greater amount, New Canaan will hold two or three public clinics, he added.

While Norwalk is primarily dispensing the vaccine to New Canaan and Norwalk residents, said Bill Mooney, Norwalk’s public health preparedness coordinator, the city is not limiting the vaccine to just those residents.

“We are not turning anyone away if they are in the priority group,” he said.

The vaccine is administered in four different forms, including a nasal spray and two different types of adult shots, one with thimerosal and one without it. Children receive the vaccine in two doses, 28 days apart from each other, because adult doses are too strong for them, said Werner.

After holding two clinics, one at the end of October and another on Tuesday, November 10, the Norwalk Health Department has vaccinated about 200 residents through scheduled appointments.

The department anticipates holding another clinic Tuesday, November 17, and additional ones in the upcoming weeks, provided that they receive enough of the vaccine to administer, said Mooney.

Residents are encouraged to keep contacting their private doctors if they are sick and taking daily health precautions.

Once symptoms appear, people are encouraged to stay home from school or work, as that is the “best thing they can do while they are waiting for the vaccine to prevent the spread,” said Werner.

“H1N1 is ubiquitous now,” he added.

To schedule an appointment at the Norwalk Health Department, call 203-854-7776.