McHenry County to offer H1N1 vaccines

McHenry County Department of Health recently received its first shipment of H1N1 injectable vaccine and has scheduled community clinics for 2,500 appointments for priority groups.

Appointments can be made online at www.mcdh.info or by calling (815) 334-2800.

The priority groups include pregnant women, caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age, children and individuals aged 4-24, residents ages 25-64 with a chronic health condition, health care workers and first responders. Pregnant women should call for an appointment. It is important to note that this supply of H1N1 injectable vaccine, manufactured by Novartis, has been licensed for use by individuals 4 years and older.

Clinics will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Heineman Middle School, 725 Academic Drive, Algonquin; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at McHenry Township, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg.

"This recent shipment of the H1N1 injectable vaccine allows us to continue to vaccinate and protect those who are most at risk for flu complications," said Patrick J. McNulty, public health administrator.

H1N1 vaccine available through MCDH is posted on the Department's H1N1 Web page, www.mcdh.info. Cancellations have occurred; visit the Web site or call the hotline (815) 334-2800 for the most up-to-date information.