Vaccine update at KRHC

Upcoming H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics at KRHC

Second dose needed for children under 10

Kossuth Regional Health Center and Community Health are encouraging those who have not received their seasonal flu or H1N1 vaccine to attend one of several upcoming vaccine clinics.  Parents with children under age 10 are especially urged to follow up with a second dose of H1N1 if a child has already received the first dose.

“We understand the challenges of getting children in that young age group to come back for a second shot, but the vaccine isn’t fully effective without it.The first dose basically ‘primes’ the child’s immune system to receive the second one. The second dose provides full protection against the H1N1 virus for children ages six months through nine years,” said Carol Gress, Community Health nurse at KRHC.

Upcoming KRHC vaccine clinics include:

• Wednesday, February 17 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Health office
• Wednesday, February 24 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Health office

Children must have 28 days between the first and second dose of the vaccine, but it is okay if more time has passed.

“Most children who have received the first dose are way past the 28 days, so we encourage parents to get them in for a second dose as soon as possible,” Gress said.  “We are still in the middle of what is traditionally flu season and it’s a good time to be fully protected.”

Both seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine will be available for people of all ages who are six months or older.  The cost of the seasonal flu vaccine is $27 for flu shots and $45 for flu mist. The H1N1 vaccine is free.  A separate consent form for each vaccine is available online at www.krhc.com.  For more information call the KRHC Flu Hotline at 515-295-4451 or 800-603-8433, ext. 698.