Community Health

Stay informed!  Check out the following resources for more information about the seasonal flu and H1N1.

H1N1 Vaccine Clinics offered throughout October
Tuesday and Thursday clinics offered to priority groups

The H1N1 vaccine is now available at Kossuth Regional Health Center every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7 to 8 a.m. in the EMS Room of KRHC and from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Algona KRHC Clinic.  The vaccine is available free of charge, in either the mist or shot form, while supplies last.

Due to the limited number of doses available, the early rounds of vaccine will not be available to the general public at this clinic.  At this time, only the people that meet the following criteria will be allowed to receive vaccine:

  • Pregnant women
  • All healthcare workers and EMS personnel
  • Household members and daycare providers of infants less than 6 months old
  • People 6 months to 24 years of age
    • School-based clinics will be offered for children soon
    • College students encouraged to get vaccinated on their campus
  • People 25-64 years with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems requiring current and regular medical care

The medical staff at KRHC is encouraging those within the priority groups to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. 

“We recognize that there is a lot of misinformation out there and some people may be concerned about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine,” said Meyer.  “The H1N1 vaccine was made by the same process, by the same companies, and tested in the same manner as the seasonal vaccine. There is no reason to believe there are any more risks associated with the H1N1 vaccine than the seasonal influenza vaccine.”

The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time, or at any time in regards to each, and in any sequence with one exception: if using the live nasal spray vaccine for both the seasonal flu and H1N1, they should be given four weeks apart to ensure the best protection from both vaccines.

“If you just received the seasonal flu mist within the last couple of weeks, you will need to wait a month before coming in for the H1N1 mist,” Meyer said.

Information regarding the vaccine clinics and priority groups can change quickly.  To stay updated about influenza and H1N1, call the KRHC Community Health Flu Hotline at 515-295-4451 or go to www.krhc.com and click on Latest Flu Updates.

 
  Questions or Comments? | Legal Statement