For Immediate Release:
January 7, 2010

Southcoast announces public H1N1 flu vaccine clinics next week

Vaccination is open to the public; high risk groups urged to attend

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group will be hosting free public H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at its three hospital sites next week. The following are the times and locations:

• Tuesday, January 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke's Hospital, White Home building (adjacent to ER entrance), 101 Page Street, New Bedford, Mass.

• Wednesday, January 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Mooney Conference Room, 363 Highland Avenue, Fall River. The entrance to the clinic and parking are located at the back of the hospital off Prospect Street.

• Thursday, January 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tobey Hospital, main lobby entrance, 43 High Street, Wareham.

The Southcoast H1N1 flu vaccination clinics are open to all community members throughout the South Coast region. Vaccinations will be administered on a first come, first served basis. Participants are asked to bring health insurance cards, but it is not required. Interpreter services will be available.

The clinics are open to all individuals, but Southcoast further recommends the following high-priority groups attend:

• Under the age of 25 year old.

• Children 6 months to 18 years of age (Must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian)

• Children 9 years and under should receive 2 doses of H1N1 vaccine IMPORTANT: Any child who has received the first of their two doses MUST bring documentation of the first dose of vaccine to this clinic because Center for Disease Control recommends a 28 day interval between doses for maximum effectiveness.

• High risk patients between the ages of 19 to 64 years old. High risk means that you may have a chronic medical conditions such as:
  • Respiratory (including asthma and COPD)
  • Heart disease (except high blood pressure alone)
  • Kidney, liver, blood disorders, neurologic/neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes
  • Immunosuppression (incl. that induced by medications, illness or by HIV )

• Women who are pregnant, up to 2 weeks post partum (including after pregnancy loss) and have not yet received H1N1 vaccine from their obstetrician.

• Household member or caregiver of infants younger than 6 months of age.

• Household member of pregnant women in their third trimester to ensure their newborns go home to a safe environment.

Please check with your physician if you have questions or concerns about receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine. Questions about the clinics at St. LukeÕs and Tobey hospitals can be directed to 508-961-5560. Questions about the clinic at Charlton Memorial Hospital can be directed to 508-679-3131 Ext. 2988.