H1N1 vaccines for general public

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The H1N1 vaccine will soon be available to more people in Tippecanoe County.  

Indiana State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe announced the H1N1 vaccine will be available for the general public next week.  Tippecanoe County Health Administrator Ron Cripe said everyone should get vaccinated.

"We're encouraging people, even if they feel great, go ahead and get the vaccine," said Cripe.

More then 45,000 Tippecanoe County residents in the "high risk" group have already received the H1N1 vaccine.  Now, that it will be available for the general public, Cripe said more locations can offer the vaccine and more people can get vaccinated.

"They are going to expand those that can order the H1N1 vaccine and also administer the vaccine.  So again, effective December 20th pharmacies will be part of the team, along with the local health department and medical community.  So, we are excited about that," said Cripe.

Cripe said although it seems like H1N1 flu cases have decreased , that could change.

"We don't know how this virus is going to react.  Right now it's kind of in the dormant stage, but if history repeats itself, pandemics come in waves of three.  And, this is the second wave," said Cripe.

So, Cripe said its best to be prepared.

"Just because it has died down a little bit, that's no reason to let your guard down.  We can't predict viruses, especially those like the H1N1," said Cripe.

Tippecanoe County residents, who didn't fit the high risk group, said they're glad the vaccine will now be offered to everyone.

West Lafayette Resident Arthur Aronson said he plans to get the H1N1 vaccine.

"I think it's a good idea.  The peak may have passed, but I still think it's a good idea for people to get inoculated, said Aronson.

So does Lafayette resident Carolyn Kanehe. 

"I'm happy for that, because actually until now I've fallen in that group where it didn't seem to be necessary," said Kanehe.

Cripe said he isn't sure when the health department will hold a clinic offering vaccines to the general public.

However, on December 17th the Lafayette School Corporation will hold a free H1N1 vaccination clinic for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The clinic will take place at Jefferson High School and students will be bused to and from their home school. A second LSC clinic for GLASS Pre-School students will be held on Friday December 18th at Linnwood School as well. Finally, a third clinic will be held for students attending Jeff High School on January 13th.

Purdue University continues to provide H1N1 vaccines as well. Purdue administered 4,791 doses, and now has 5,000 doses available through the Purdue Student Health Center. The vaccine is expected to be available to all groups beginning December 21st. Vaccinations are available at the Student Health Center from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. on weekdays. There is no charge to students.

St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital is offering free H1N1 vaccines to the public on Wednesdays. The dates for this month are 12/6 and 12/23. The vaccines will be given between 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in the Surgery Department at 412 North Monroe Street in Williamsport.

Approximately 800,000 child doses of the H1N1 vaccine were recalled this morning.

State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe issued this statement about the vaccine recall. (PDF)

The recall was not made for safety-related reasons.

A list of counties whose health departments received recalled doses of the vaccine can be viewed here. (PDF(