The Health Department has been inundated with hundreds of calls and emails regarding the availability of the H1N1 vaccine for Franklin Residents. At the present time we do not have enough vaccine to hold a public flu clinic. Vaccine production issues have significantly delayed the delivery of the H1N1 vaccine to all health departments and medical providers across the country. As a result, we can not state with any certainty when Franklin’s first H1N1 flu clinic will be held.
Once we have a sufficient supply of vaccine on hand, we stand ready to implement our clinic plan and to begin the vaccination process. The Franklin Health Department has the personnel and the infrastructure in place to begin large-scale vaccinations of the target group, once the vaccine is delivered in sufficient quantities.
The initial allocation of vaccine will be directed toward children aged 6 months to 9 years of age. Again, this age group will require two doses of vaccine so it is important to have the first doses administered as soon as the vaccine is made available. It is possible that we may, due to limited supply of vaccine, narrow the age group significantly during our first clinic. This will prevent parents and children waiting unnecessarily when the vaccine is in short supply.
It is important to note that the Franklin Health Department does not expect to receive any thimerosal free vaccine. This has implications for women who are pregnant and wish to receive preservative free vaccine. Pregnant women are urged to contact their obstetrician regarding thimerosal free flu vaccine.
The Franklin Health Department fully understands the frustration and concern the residents of Franklin are experiencing regarding H1N1 vaccine availability. I can assure you the Health Department staff and the Board of Health shares your concerns. We will do everything in our power to expedite the vaccination process once our supply of vaccine is received.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department
Franklin Board of Health
Bruce Hunchard, Chair
Paul Cheli
Donald Ranieri, Jr.
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