Things go smoothly at Bolingbrook flu clinic
Will County residents lined up Friday outside Brooks Middle School in Bolingbrook to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine.
This was the third in a series of seven clinics scheduled by the Will County Health Department, and about 2,200 people were inoculated. The first two clinics were held in Joliet and Plainfield and served about 4,000 people total. The next clinic is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet.
(Danielle Gardner/Staff Photographer)
So far, the department has received only two versions of the vaccine, a shot for infants 6 to 35 months and a nasal mist for people ages 2-24. There is a rigorous screening process to ensure people are receiving the right vaccine, according to department spokesman Brian McDaniel.
"The medication can hurt you if you take the wrong kind," he said. "It's your safety on the line."
Even children who fit into the demographic the department is serving may have to be excluded for pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and chronic heart defects. There will be something for those individuals — as well as older adults, pregnant women and other groups — down the line, but the department does not know when those will be coming.
"I think the manufacturers are doing the best they can," McDaniel said.
For those who are waiting, the best defense against H1N1 is to take the same steps one would take in fighting off the seasonal flu, such as frequent hand washing and staying away from those who are sick.
Youngsters are particularly susceptible to H1N1, McDaniel said. Since Sept. 15, there have been 74 confirmed cases of the virus in Will County, and half of those have been in people ages 5 to 20.
Despite high demand for the vaccine, each clinic has gone smoothly, McDaniel said. The process was developed as a response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, in case of bioterrorism.
"We've been working on this for five years. We've planned and practiced and worked with people across the county," McDaniel said. "It's been a very successful event so far."
Naperville resident Janie Westenfelder, whose son Chase received the nasal mist vaccine, said she was surprised at how quickly things went. She was prepared for long lines but was in and out of the building in less than two hours.
"This was easy," she said. "I'm shocked by how fast it's going."
She previously hadn't been all that concerned about H1N1 but decided to bring Chase after she found out that a family friend — a healthy 12-year-old, just like her son — is in the hospital with the virus.
"That just knocked me over the head," she said.
The nasal mist takes just a few seconds to administer, and Chase said it wasn't so bad.
"It was better than I thought it would be," he said.
She and her husband plan to return when the vaccine is available for adults.
To find out when future events are scheduled, check willcountyhealth.org.
