Reservations begin this morning for Thursday H1N1 clinic in Holland

Mon, Nov 16, 2009    to del.icio.us

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP — The Ottawa County Health Department began accepting reservations at 8 a.m. today for an H1N1 vaccine clinic scheduled for Thursday at the Holland-area office, 12251 James St.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 211. Cell phone and pay phone users should dial 1-877-211-5253.

No walk-ins will be accepted at Thursday's clinic, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to the limited supply of injectable vaccine, this clinic will only be offering the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine, with a total of 540 does available.

Reservations will be taken on a first-come first-served basis.

The 211 call center will take appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day this week until the 540 reservations are filled.

A high call volume is anticipated, so residents who receive a busy signal should continue trying the line.

Because of the type of vaccine available, coupled with the H1N1 vaccine priority groups, these clinics are for healthy Ottawa County residents ages 2-24, and ages 25-49 who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age. Additionally, this clinic is intended to serve those who are uninsured, who have insurance that does not cover the administration cost or who have a primary health care provider who is not participating in the H1N1 vaccine program.

More details about vaccine eligibility for this clinic can be found at www.miottawa.org/flu

Those who are not eligible for this clinic are encouraged to continue checking with their primary health care provider for the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at www.miottawa.org/flu

As the vaccine becomes more widely available, the Ottawa County Health Department will offer additional public clinics which will include shots for a wider range of priority group members. Details are pending.

Ottawa County health officials stress prevention measures — including hand-washing, practicing proper cough etiquette and staying home when you are sick.