Clay Today staff
GREEN COVE SPRINGS -- More than 15,000 Clay County school students received shots to prevent the H1N1 swine flu virus since the program began in November, the Clay County Health Department said Monday, Feb. 8.
The program, which ended Feb. 5, concluded with 49.9 percent of elementary, 44 percent of middle school and 28 percent of high school students receiving the vaccine to prevent the virus, said Nancy Mills, Clay County Health Department administrator.
"The in-school campaign was a major effort and could not have been done without the help and cooperation of the school staff, Fire Safety paramedics, parents and children," Mills said. "Health Department employees put in many additional hours to complete the campaign. Moreover, in-school vaccinations would not have been possible without the federal funding that provided vaccines, supplies and personnel to get the job done."
Vaccine was given in public and private schools to 15,401 children, with the second dose to children age 9 and under. The number of students vaccinated does not include students who got vaccinated at other sites, such as a doctor’s office or clinic, she said.
Although the in-school campaign is over, residents still need to be careful, Mills said.
H1N1 is going around in Clay County and several pregnant women in the area were diagnosed with the illness as late as last week.
Children who missed the first or second dose of H1N1 at school, as well as anyone aged 6 months or older, can get a free H1N1 flu shot on Wednesdays at the Health Department Bear Run Clinic, 3229 Bear Run Blvd., Building B, Orange Park. Call (904) 213-3202 for an appointment.
A Saturday "walk in" clinic that does not require an appointment willl be held at the same site Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.