As a result of the steady increase of H1N1 vaccine shipments to Hamilton County, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is now offering free H1N1 vaccine to anyone who wishes to receive the vaccine. The Tennessee Department of Health recommended that vaccine availability be expanded due to a plentiful supply of vaccine in our state. The Health Department is currently offering the H1N1 vaccine at multiple locations in the county, but all appointments can be made by calling the Health Department’s hotline at 209-8393.
With the upcoming holiday season, it’s not too late for families to protect themselves against the H1N1 virus by getting vaccinated. After receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine, most people will start to develop immunity within 10 days. Parents of children less than age 10 who received their first dose of H1N1 vaccine at least 28 days ago are reminded to make an appointment for their child to receive their second dose. Only children less than age ten will need a second dose.
“We are so pleased that the opportunity for vaccination against the H1N1 influenza virus is being expanded to include anyone in our community who wishes to receive the vaccine,” says Becky Barnes, Health Department Administrator. “We have been encouraged by the community support of the vaccine, and it’s our hope that more residents will get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families against the H1N1 virus,” Ms. Barnes continued.
For the latest information on the H1N1 vaccine campaign, residents should visit the Health Department’s website, http://health.hamiltontn.org. Area medical providers who have ordered the H1N1 vaccine are receiving shipments of H1N1 vaccine. Residents are encouraged to check with their medical provider to determine if they have the H1N1 vaccine.
Appointments for the free H1N1 vaccine administered by the Health Department can be made by calling the Health Department hotline at 209-8393. Hotline operating hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For updates, follow the Health Department on Twitter- @HamiltonHealth.