Flu clinic to be held in Bigfork

Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork residents will have a chance to get their children and others who qualify immunized against H1N1 influenza at Bethany Lutheran Church on Thursday, Nov. 19.

The free Flathead City-County Health Department clinic will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Centers for Disease Control is recommending that all children 9 and under receive a second dose of H1N1 vaccine 28 days after the first dose. Parents whose children fall into this category are encouraged to bring them to this clinic.

Those also eligible to receive the vaccine include people ages 6 months to 19 years old, caregivers of children under 6 months old and people over 24 years old with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

For parents who are unable to accompany their children, the health department will accept a signed consent form, which is avaible on the department's Web site, www.flatheadhealth.org. The child must be accompanied by a responsible adult with knowledge of the child's medical history and the parent or guardian must be available by phone for nurse consultation while the child is at the clinic.

All H1N1 influenza vaccinations are free of charge from the health department.

For more information, visit the Flathead City-County Health Department Web site at www.flatheadhealth.org or call the Flu Hotline at 751-8188.