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The H1N1 vaccine is now available to the general public and residents can get vaccinated during free mass vaccinations that the Department of Health will conduct territorywide this month, Health Commissioner Julia Sheen said Friday.
Sheen said the mass vaccinations will be held during the period of January 11-23, 2010, and coincide with National Influenza Vaccination Week, which kicks off on Sunday and was established to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination after the holiday season into January and beyond.
“In order to accommodate as many persons as possible, we decided to hold mass vaccinations for those who did not fall into the initial priority groups sanctioned by the
CDC,” Sheen said. “Vaccination is voluntary but we recommend that everyone get the vaccine as it is the best protection against the H1N1 virus.”
Residents can also get the vaccination at their private healthcare provider, however, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said it recognizes that a small administrative fee may be charged by non-public health service businesses.
The mass vaccinations scheduled by the Department of Health will target everyone, not just the initial priority groups such as pregnant women, children, and those with chronic health conditions that were sanctioned last Fall by the
CDC.
Sheen said that mass vaccinations have also been scheduled specifically to reach first responders, students attending private and parochial schools, children six months to five years old at Daycare and Headstart centers, as well as children under age 10, who already received the first dose of vaccine and must get a second dose.
First Responders will be allowed to show up at a scheduled mass vaccination that fits their work schedule, Sheen said.
The initial mass vaccination schedule, by island, is as follows:
ST. CROIX
January 11, 2010 9 a.m. to 3
p.m.
Charles Harwood Complex (RM 1016)
General population
January 11, 2010 4:30 p.m. to 8
p.m.
Charles Harwood Complex (evening clinic) -
Children 6 mos-5 years in Daycare and Head Start centers, and children less than 10yrs needing a second dose
January 12, 2010 9 a.m. to 3
p.m.
D. C. Canegata Multipurpose Recreational Center
First responders and general population
January 13, 2010 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
Sunshine Mall
General population
January 14, 2010 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
UVI Great Hall
First responders
January 16, 2010 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
Charles Harwood Complex
Children 6 mos-5 years in Daycare and Head Start centers, and children less than 10 yrs needing a second dose
ST. THOMAS
January 12, 2010 9 a.m. to 12
p.m.
St. Peter & Paul School
Students & staff
January 13, 2010 9 a.m. to 12
p.m.
Tutu Church of God Academy
Students & staff
January 13, 2010 5 p.m. to 8
p.m.
Charles Harwood Complex (evening clinic)
Children 6 mos-5 years in Daycare and Head Start centers, and children less than 10 yrs needing a second dose
January 14, 2010 9 a.m. to 12
p.m.
All Saints School
Students & staff
January 15, 2010 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
UVI
First Responders
January 16, 2010 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
DOH clinic at Schneider Hospital
Children 6mos-5 years in Daycare and Headstart centers, and children less than 10 yrs needing a second dose
ST. JOHN
January 19, 2010 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.
Market Place
First responders and general population
January 19, 2010 4:30 p.m. to 7
p.m.
Morris F. de Castro Clinic
General population, children 6 mos-5 years in Daycare and Head Start centers, and children less than 10 yrs needing a second dose
Sheen said that addition schedules will be released later and residents can call (340) 773-1311, Ext. 3240 or 3280 for more information.
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