The DeKalb Board of Health, which is offering the clinics at Miller Grove, Stone Mountain, McNair and Cross Keys high schools, says this is the last chance to get the vaccines free of charge.
While H1N1 flu activity is relatively low in most other states, the flu continues to circulate in Georgia. As of April 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that DeKalb experienced five H1N1-related deaths this year.
Bernard Hicks, the board’s Office of Emergency Preparedness program manager, said the virus is still around and that the vaccine is safe and effective. “This is an excellent opportunity for parents who may have missed getting their child immunized during the beginning of the school year to take advantage of the ample vaccine supply and get their child both immunized and protected.”
The clinics, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offer protection for students who may be entering summer camps, traveling domestically and internationally, or going off to college. Children or adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and HIV are encouraged to get the vaccine. To be effective, children younger than 9 should receive two doses. If a child already has received the first dose, parents are encouraged to bring them for the second dose.
Although there is no charge for the vaccine, an administrative fee may be charged to Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. Parents should bring their health insurance card and immunization records.
Pre-registration is available until May 13 by calling 404-294-3700 weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinics will be at:
- Stone Mountain High, 4555 Central Drive, Stone Mountain.
- McNair High, 1804 Bouldercrest Road S.E., Atlanta.
- Miller Grove High, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia.
- Cross Keys High, 1626 North Druid Hills Road N.E., Atlanta.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.dekalbhealth.ne
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