Free H1N1 Clinics at BRMC

Four free H1N1 flu clinics for anyone older than six months of age will be held, starting this week, in Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) main lobby.

First- and second-dose vaccination clinics will be held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday of this week and also Monday and Tuesday of next week, said BRMC officials. Those being inoculated will first have to register in BRMC’s main lobby, located off North Bennett Street.

Getting the H1N1 vaccination is considered one of the best ways to reduce chances of getting the virus which has caused a global pandemic. Health officials are recommending all individuals to be inoculated.

“This is the perfect time to be immunized during the current downturn before the next H1N1 flu surge occurs,” said Terrie O’Brien, BRMC’s infection control practitioner.

“Ample doses of the vaccine will be available for all four days at BRMC so people should not be concerned about supplies running out during the clinics,” she said.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated the high-risk categories which should get H1N1 flu vaccination are: those between the ages of six months and 24 years; pregnant women; parents, household members or caregivers of children under six months; healthcare providers and emergency services personnel; and individuals younger than age 65 with underlying health conditions including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.

Brian Walters, D.O., BRMC’s Emergency Department chairman, has said other high-risk groups for H1N1 include those with disorders that can compromise respiratory function, immunosuppression caused by medication or by HIV, those under age 19 who are on chronic aspirin therapy, and individuals over age 65.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 flu is a new strain that spreads from person-to-person just as the seasonal flu does, and is expected to be widespread this flu season.

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