THE ISSUE:H1N1 vaccinations.
OUR VIEW:Protect yourself. Get a free vaccination from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 24 at IU Kokomo.
Although it appears the number of those contracting the H1N1 flu is decreasing, Indiana health department officials are continuing to warn Hoosiers its important to be vaccinated.
Health commissioner Judy Monroe compared the current H1N1 situation to an Asian flu pandemic in 1957 and 1958.
H1N1 has primarily struck those younger than 25 to this point, and Monroe pointed out that was the case in 1957 as well. But, after an apparent drop-off in victims, the Asian flu returned with a vengeance in early 1958 and began hitting older Americans.
That is a possibility that worries health officials.
As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Monroe is pushing the message that it’s not too late to be vaccinated.
While more than 1 million residents have received either the shot or nasal spray, there are still several million who have yet to be vaccinated.
Last week, the state health department reported that less than 25 percent of those in the high-risk categories — pregnant women, emergency medical and health care workers, and young people from 6 months to the age of 25 — had yet to be vaccinated.
Earlier last week, the vaccination was offered to state employees and their families and more than 1,900 state employees were vaccinated.
Another 800 state health department employees, family members and state legislators were vaccinated last week.
Monroe says there is an ample supply of H1N1 vaccine for anyone wishing to receive it. The Howard County Health Department will provide free vaccinations at a walk-in clinic at Indiana University Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 24.
The best way to protect yourself is to get a vaccination.
