Cook promises H1N1 vaccines for callers, schools, high-risk kids

Despite jammed phone lines Monday, Cook County is still making appointments for people to get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus.

Callers had to wait 10 to 45 minutes on hold before reaching an operator, but the health department is scheduling vaccinations, spokeswoman Amy Poore said.

Appointments were being made for mid-November, but varied by clinic.

Callers can try any of five numbers: (708) 836-8600, (847) 818-2860, (708) 786-4000, (708) 974-6160 or (708) 210-4500.

Cook officials also continue to schedule vaccination clinics at public and private schools, with schools in Orland Park expected to get vaccines Wednesday and Thursday, Chicago Heights on Friday, Cicero next week and Schaumburg tentatively in mid-November.

The clinics will start at schools in kindergarten through eighth grade and eventually reach high schools, ending in mid-January.

More than 100 schools are signed up to participate. County officials advise residents to ask school officials whether their schools are participating.

The county is also working to distribute vaccines to obstetrics doctors and to pediatric sub-specialists who handle kids at greater risk of developing complications from the flu, such as respiratory or heart conditions.

For more information, see cookcountypublichealth.org or e-mail BeAware@ccdph.net.