Saturday's H1N1 clinic at Kent County Health Department goes Smoothly GRAND RAPIDS - The free H1N1 vaccine clinic Saturday in Grand Rapids was full, and people lined up early to get the vaccination. It was the first of three clinics the department will hold to give the vaccine to the high risk patients. That includes pregnant women, caretakers of children under six months, those aged 6 months to 24 years, and those at high risk of complications from the flu. "There's about 300-thousand people or so that fall into those risk categories," said Bill Anstey, Deputy Health Officer with the Kent County Health Department. "So far to date, Kent County's been allocated a little over 70-thousand doses of the H1N1 vaccine. In the next week or so, the supply will meet the demand that we have." More than 4600 people signed up for the clinic Saturday and officials say it went well and the patients agree. "What we're doing today isn't part of our norm, but we're prepared and ready and are gonna pull it off with flying colors." said Anstey. "I think it went quick and easy, it was a nice experience," said Athena Curtis, one of those who waited in line Saturday morning. About 60% of the vaccine will be administered at the Health Department's main office at 700 Fuller, N.E.; the rest at the Departments office at 121 Franklin, S.E. There are still appointments available for the clinic on November 21st. Reservations can be made by calling 2-1-1. Since parking is limited at the Fuller site, a free shuttle bus will be offered from the City High-Middle School a mile north on Fuller.
The County health department expects to administer about 15,000 doses of the free vaccine over the next three Saturdays. Reservations are required to get the shots.
11/11/2009 11:17:48 AM
