H1N1 vaccines available at some Kane Co. doctors' offices

Private doctors will be the newest distributors of the H1N1 vaccine in Kane County as a new shipment will allow the health department to provide 5,000 doses to local obstetricians and pediatricians.

Not every pediatrician or obstetrician will receive the vaccine nor the same quantity. Kane County Health Department Spokesman Tom Schlueter said only offices that preregistered to receive the vaccine and placed an order will receive any doses with this latest shipment.

Schlueter did not have a complete list of offices receiving the vaccines, but said Rush-Copley Pediatrics received about 1,000 doses. About 10 other private doctors ordered about 180 doses each. About six other pediatrician offices ordered about 100 doses each. Orders are still being filled for the remainder of the 5,000 doses.

"The easiest way for someone to find out if their doctor has the vaccine is to call their doctor and find out," Schlueter said. "The idea with these orders is these doctors will know best who their high-risk patients are, and they can better serve them if those patients can't make it to any of the clinics."

The health department is currently providing nearly 1,200 H1N1 vaccinations each week to area residents by appointment at its Elgin and Aurora offices. The health department will also begin a partnership with the Visiting Nurses Association of the Fox Valley to create new vaccination clinics in Aurora. The new clinics should be able to serve another 1,500 Kane County residents each week. Residents seeking the vaccination can call (630) 723-5414 to make an appointment.

Kane County originally ordered 64,000 doses of the vaccine. Schlueter said this latest shipment brings the county up to about 32,000 total doses received so far. Schlueter said H1N1 vaccines are still in high demand., and he expects local pharmacies to be the next distribution point to receive the vaccines.