MOUNT VERNON — None of the
H1N1 vaccine recalled by the government was given in Knox County, according to
officials with the Knox County Health Department.
“We checked the lot numbers of the vaccine we have received in addition
to the vaccine we have administered so far and none of it matched the recalled
lots,” said Jackie Fletcher, R.N., director of nursing with the health
department. “We are confident that none of the recalled vaccine was administered
in Knox County.”
On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced it was
recalling 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine because tests indicated the doses
had lost some strength. Officials with the Ohio Department of Health indicated
that about 3,500 doses of the recalled vaccine had been sent to Ohio. ODH has
contacted counties that received the recalled vaccine which was identified as
that in pre-filled syringes for young children, ages 6 months to nearly 3 years.
Dr. Anne Schuchat, a CDC flu expert, stressed that parents don’t need to
do anything or to worry if their child got one — or even two — of
the recalled shots. The vaccine is safe and effective, she said. Young children
are supposed to get two doses, spaced about a month apart.
Health officials don’t think children need to get vaccinated again, even
if they got two doses from the recalled lots, said Schuchat.
Eligibility for the H1N1 vaccine was opened this week to include everyone, regardless
of age or health conditions. The Knox County Health Department held a public
clinic Monday morning and has been conducting evening clinics this week for the
general public in each school district.
Attendance at clinics this week has been steady with more than 1,300 doses administered.
The last clinic for the week will be held tonight at Mount Vernon High School
from 4 to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria on the upper level. The H1N1 vaccine is also
available on a walk-in basis at the health department, Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine. It is free from the health department.
However, some doctor’s offices and retail pharmacies which are also administering
the vaccine are allowed to charge for the vaccine.
-
None of recalled vaccine given in Knox County
- December 17, 2009
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