Too few of us getting shots

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January 6, 2010

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Wed Jan 06, 2010, 02:43 PM EST

H1N1 CLINICS:

• JAN. 12: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only, at the health department, 120 E. Mulberry St.

• JAN. 14: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only, at the health department, 120 E. Mulberry St.

• JAN. 24: 1-3 p.m., walk-in clinic at Indiana University Kokomo.

According to the latest data from the Indiana Department of Health, fewer than 25 percent of “high risk” Hoosiers have gotten the H1N1 vaccine.

That number includes fewer than half of health care and emergency medical service workers and only slightly more than a quarter of pregnant women.

The Howard County Health Department vaccinated about 47 percent of school-age children at several in-school clinics in 2009. And 2,399 county residents in the high-risk groups received vaccinations at three Indiana University Kokomo clinics through November.

If you haven’t yet received a vaccine – even if you’re not considered at high risk of contracting the H1N1 flu – we strongly suggest getting one. Make an appointment to receive one at the health department on Jan. 12 and 14, or participate in the walk-in clinic at IU Kokomo on Jan. 24.

The vaccine also is available at local physicians’ offices and pharmacies for about $20.

Don’t miss this chance, particularly if you fall into one of the high-risk groups identified by medical experts.

That includes anyone over the age of 6 months and under the age of 25. It also includes pregnant women and anyone caring for youngsters under the age of 6 months. And it includes health care and emergency medical service personnel, and anyone between 25 and 64 with a chronic illness or compromised immune system.

The vaccines at the three health department clinics are free and available to anyone over the age of 6 months.

State health officials acknowledge that the number of flu cases has been falling, but they say the current lull is no reason to relax. Instead, it represents a great chance to get vaccinated before the next surge in illnesses expected in late winter or early spring.

Lots of folks are likely avoiding the vaccine because they figure the odds are in their favor. For the vast majority of patients, the flu is no big deal. Folks will feel lousy for a few days, and then they’ll be back at work or in school, good as new.

The sad fact is, though, that for a few patients, the flu will be a very big deal. It might even be deadly.

And the only way to make sure you don’t fall into that latter category is to get the vaccine.

What will happen if people ignore that advice? Medical experts say the answer is simple: A lot more people will die.

Get your shot.

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