By KEN de la BASTIDE
Though there is a loll in reported cases of the H1N1 flu, the coordinator for the Howard County Health Department expects an upswing in January.
Coordinator Karen Lopke described the number of students and residents in the priority groups receiving the vaccine as disappointing.
A total of 2,399 Howard County residents in the priority groups received vaccinations during three clinics at the Indiana University Kokomo campus, Lopke said.
The number of school-age children receiving the vaccine range from a low of 23 percent to a high of 76 percent, with an average of 47 percent, at each Kokomo and Howard County school.
“The percentages at the schools were not good,” she said.
Approximately 500 Kokomo High School students will receive a vaccination on Friday, the final school clinic for the H1N1 virus in Howard County.
Lopke said the supply of vaccine has improved. The health department now can order the number of doses needed, instead of receiving an allotment from the state.
Local pharmacies also will have the H1N1 vaccine available after Dec. 20. Lopke said the pharmacies will charge an administration fee. There is no charge for inoculations administered by the health department.
“We’re seeing fewer cases,” Lopke said of the H1N1 flu. “Right now we’re on a downhill slide. I believe after the holiday we will see another peak. It will be similar to when the students went back to school.”
She said there have been no reported deaths in the county.
“We’re still urging people to get vaccinated,” she said. “The vaccine is the only way to prevent getting the flu or lessening the symptoms.”
Lopke said children with medical issues should receive the vaccine.
Children under the age of 10 should receive a second H1N1 vaccination after 30 days. Children over the age of 10 are not required to receive a second inoculation.
• Ken de la Bastide is the Kokomo Tribune enterprise editor. He can be reached at 765-454-8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com
UPCOMING CLINICS:
• Tuesday – Kids clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the health department offices in the Howard County Government Annex, by appointment, for the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. Call 456-2408 to make an appointment.
• Jan. 12 – Open clinic for anyone from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Howard County Government Annex. An appointment can be made by calling 456-2408.
• Jan 15 – Open clinic for anyone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Howard County Government Annex. An appointment can be made by calling 456-2408.
• Jan. 24 – Open clinic in Havens Auditorium on the Indiana University Kokomo campus from 1 to 3 p.m. No appointment necessary.
