Heath Department Organizes Special Flu Vaccination Clinics for Children in Maryland, USA

Two free Flu vaccination clinics is being offered for children between the age group of 2- 18 years by the Carroll County Health Department.According to County Health Officer Ed Singer, a nationwide production delay of the nasal spray FluMist influenza vaccine had prompted Carroll County Public Schools to cancel clinics planned for middle schools and elementary schools. But new vaccine supplies have arrived which are expected to allow unvaccinated children to become protected before flu season.

"Thankfully, we now expect to get extra FluMist and flu shots in time for our first school and Health Department clinics. It means we can now offer a clinic in November and one in December," said Singer.

There is no specific criteria other than age to get the vaccines and the health department officials are encouraging all the children to get vaccinated at the walk-in clinics which will be held between 3-7 p.m. on Nov. 9 and Dec. 9 at the Health Department offices.

Children who get vaccines at the elementary school clinics need not again get vaccinated at these two special clinics. But there is an exception, children who are receiving their first flu vaccines can visit these clinics, as they will need two doses spaced 28 days apart.

"We are monitoring trends closely and so far there has only been one positive test for Influenza Strain A in Carroll County. Last year, this strain became widespread during the Christmas/New Year's holidays. That means people can get vaccinated in the first several weeks of December; it takes 10 to 14 days for the vaccination to develop full protection," said Taylor.

Source-Medindia