Durham, N.C. – Earlier this week, Durham County Health Director Gayle Harris held a joint news conference with Duke University Health System Infectious Disease Physician Cameron Wolfe, to remind the public to get the H1N1 vaccine and that vaccines are the best way to help prevent the flu.  During the news conference Harris announced that the County would host two vaccine clinics for Durham’s elementary-aged students.  On Monday, October 19, and Wednesday, October 21, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., H1N1 vaccine clinics will be held at the Durham Public School Staff Development Center, located at 2107 Hillandale Road. 

“Children are a part of the high-risk population for H1N1,” said Harris.  “We want all of Durham’s children to get vaccinated.  Next week’s H1N1 vaccine clinic will be open to all children in grades K through 5.  Children do not have to be enrolled in DPS to receive the vaccine.”

Children under the age of ten will receive two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, separated by four weeks.   Follow up H1N1 immunization clinics will be scheduled during the month of November to provide the second dose to these children. The vaccine given to children ten and older will only need one vaccination.  The vaccine provided is administered as a nasal spray.  No injections will be given during the upcoming H1N1 immunization clinic. This vaccine is safe and offered free of charge as long as supplies last.  A child is ineligible to receive this vaccine if he or she has a significant underlying medical condition, such as asthma or kidney disease, receiving aspirin therapy, or has received seasonal flu mist in the past 30 days.   

Legal consent is required for a child to receive the H1N1 vaccine.  Therefore, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the immunization clinic.  For more information about these immunization clinics, contact the School Health Program at the Durham County Health Department, at 919-560-7700.