Mansfield, OH — The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and the Shelby City Health Department have set two clinic dates for H1N1 flu vaccine. The vaccine will be for:

·         ages 6-months through 24-years old

·         parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months

·         ages 25 through 64-years old with chronic medical conditions

·         pregnant women

·         direct medical care providers

·         emergency medical personnel

Both clinics will be held at the Richland County Fairgrounds. The first clinic is from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 9, and the second clinic is from 12 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10. Registration will begin in the Arts and Crafts Building and the vaccinations will be done in Fairhaven Hall. There is no cost for the vaccine.

“We have plenty of doses of vaccine and there is no reason to arrive early or hurry to get in line,” said Stan Saalman, Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department Health Commissioner. “Usually those who arrive a couple of hours after the clinics have started will find that their wait time is much shorter.”

Gates will be open for parking but doors to the Arts & Crafts Building for registration will not open until the start times both days.

At these clinics, the Health Department now has vaccine available for children 6-month to 23-months old and people ages 25 through 64-years old with chronic medical conditions. Chronic medical conditions would include diabetes, any respiratory illnesses, heart disease and high blood pressure, arthritis, suppressed immune systems, cancer, hepatitis or other conditions that require regular medical care.

Nasal mist vaccine will be available to those who medically qualify. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Everyone should bring a driver’s license to speed the registration process.

The Health Department will be scheduling clinics as vaccines supplies arrive. The Health Department will announce when H1N1 clinics are scheduled and will be following the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The Health Department continues to recommend everyday actions to stay healthy:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

·         Stay home if you get sick.

·         Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

·         Listen to the media for updates throughout the flu season

        For more information call the H1N1 hotline (419-774-4542) for a recorded message or call the Health Department’s live phone bank, staffed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 419-774-4729. Information is updated on the Health Department website (www.richlandhealth.org). You may also want to sign up to receive instant H1N1 text alerts to your cell phone or e-mail.  This service is available at the WMFD.com website.