Questions about H1N1? Here are some answers
We're answering H1N1 questions submitted by readers and offering resources for you to find out what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
Q: Can you please tell me where my husband and I can get the H1N1 vaccines?
We are both diabetic and I have added issues of constant bronchitis and asthma-type symptoms. Our personal physician has suggested we get the vaccine, however they are not going to carry it.
We live in Plainfield, bordering Joliet and near the Shorewood area. Can you please direct us?
Pam Carrico
A: Readers can get the complete schedule of community vaccination clinics by calling 815-704-7624 or visiting www.willcountyhealth.org/swineflu or following the agency on Twitter (@WillCoHealth). To speak to a representative of the Will County Health Department, call 815-727-8480.
Q: Which vaccine? Are the Will County flu clinics going to have the intramuscular shot or only the flu mist? If they have the shots will they have any single vial doses that do not contain thimerosal?
No name given
A: The department is dispensing two kinds of H1N1 vaccine: a flu shot that is given with a needle, usually in the arm; and a flu vaccine given via nasal sprayer. The health department currently only has the nasal spayer version, but expects to get the shots -- including formulations without thimerosal -- soon.
Q: Where can I get the regular flu shot? Just wondering if anyone knew who else had any regular flu shots available around the area. I have called all over Joliet from Target, Walgreens, and CVS looking for one! My wife is pregnant and I would really like her to have the shot. Her OB office was out of them along with her primary. Just wondering if you have any suggestions.
Adam D.
A: Supplies vary among commercial outlets. The best bet is to keep checking or to go to a Will County Health Department clinic. Pregnant women are on the health department's priority list for flu shots. Call 815-727-5088 for the clinic schedule.
Other resources for questions about the flu include www.flu.gov and www.cdc.gov .
Q: How did the health department select these clinic locations?
A: All clinic locations coincide with the geographic distribution of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu by the Illinois Department of Public Health earlier this year. Each clinic location is part of a program that identified places throughout the county where the health department could distribute medication during a public health event such as this one.
Q: What kind of vaccine are you dispensing?
A: The department is dispensing two kinds of H1N1 vaccine: a flu shot that is given with a needle, usually in the arm; and a flu vaccine given via nasal sprayer.
Q: Who will administer the vaccine?
A: Licensed medical professionals will administer the vaccine at all clinic locations.
Q: What is the cost of this vaccine?
A: The department is making the H1N1 vaccine available for free to all people who live or work in Will County, but priority patients will receive the vaccine first. There will be no administration fee charged or requested.
Q: Who should receive this vaccine?
A: Because of the limited nationwide supply of H1N1 flu vaccine, the department recommends this vaccine to certain priority groups:
• Pregnant women
• Anyone who cares for children younger than 6 months of age
• Young people between the age of 6 months and 24 years of age
• People younger than 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
