(Onslow County) George O’Daniel, Health Director, reported that the Onslow County Health Department now has H1N1 flu vaccine available for certain high risk groups.  These high risk groups include the following persons:

• Infants & Children, ages 6 months – 18 years;
• Young Adults, ages 18 - 24  years;
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• Adults, ages 25 – 64 years, who have chronic medical conditions (heart, lung/asthma, kidney, liver, metabolic / diabetes, blood / anemia, muscle/ nerve, or immune conditions);
• Healthcare and EMS providers; and
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age (example:  parents, siblings, childcare providers),

Individuals who have allergies to eggs or the vaccine components,  reaction to a previous seasonal flu vaccine, or have a history of Guillain Barre Syndrome cannot receive the vaccination. Additionally, infants and children under 9 years of age must receive two doses of the H1N1 vaccine spaced 21 days apart. 

The H1N1 vaccines are available on a first-come, first-serve basis through appointments on Monday – Thursday and through walk-in clinics on Fridays, 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Appointments may be made by calling 347-2154. There is no out-of-pocket charge for the vaccine; however, health insurance may be billed an administration fee.

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