Published November 04, 2009 07:33 pm - The latest delivery of H1N1 virus vaccine contained fewer-than-expected doses of injectable vaccine, meaning upcoming school clinics will feature only the nasal mist until supplies are replenished, Ashtabula County Health Department officials said.
H1N1 vaccine shots again in short supply
By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
JEFFERSON — The latest delivery of H1N1 virus vaccine contained fewer-than-expected doses of injectable vaccine, meaning upcoming school clinics will feature only the nasal mist until supplies are replenished, Ashtabula County Health Department officials said.
In a release issued Wednesday, Christine Kettunen, the department’s director of nursing, said only 300 injectable doses were among the batch delivered
Tuesday. That was enough to meet demand at Ridgeview Elementary School and some, but not all, of Jefferson Elementary School. Both clinics were held Wednesday afternoon.
The next shipment won’t arrive until Tuesday, so until then, only the nasal-mist form of the vaccine will be given to students at upcoming clinics, according to the release. Officials are unsure how many of the injectable doses will be included in next week’s delivery.
Nurses will return to the schools at a later date to provide injectable vaccine to students who prefer that option, Kettunen said in the statement.
In recent days, health officials have said their supply of injected vaccine has been exhausted by people who insist on that method. Erroneous Internet reports have helped fuel the apprehension, officials have said.
Injected vaccine contains a dead virus, while the mist contains a live — but very weak — virus, experts have said.
The mist is safe for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 years. Dr. Alvin Jackson, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said as much during a visit to the county last week.
No adverse reactions to the mist have not been reported in the county, officials have said.
Parents who have registered their student to receive an injected vaccine but now are willing to accept the mist, should send along a signed note on the day of the clinic.
“We will eventually receive enough of the injection form to immunize all that want it, but it could take several weeks to get enough to do this,” Kettunen said in the release. “Some parents may not want to wait and leave their child at risk for developing the H1N1 infection.”
MACHINERY & TOOLS SAFES- Large & small, Forklifts, extra forks, Pallet Jacks, air compressors, (1-20HP), complete torch sets, welding gass...>MORE
Christmas Trees! Spruce & Pine - Wagon Rides, Big Selection. (440)293-7330 www.logbarnfarm.com...>MORE
"WE NEED LAND!" Paying top prices for farms or acreage in OH, W. Virginia and PA. Call Bruner Land Co. at (740) 685-8138....>MORE
BUYING JUNK VEHICLES WE PAY SCRAP OR BETTER Budget Auto Parts, 6015 Woodman Ave. 992-1111...>MORE
Cemetery Lots 2-lots Garden of Christus, Greenlawn. $400/both. 440-391-3795...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY Immediate Cash for unwanted items. Call for details 440-319-4274...>MORE
CHRISTMAS TREES PreCut or You Cut $25. Nov. 27th Saturdays & Sundays 9-5; 5926 Sidley Rd. Madison 440-298-1818...>MORE
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY!! Wanted to Buy Complete plow assembly for a 2002 Dodge pick up truck. 440-319-5510 lv msg....>MORE
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
