News from City Hall

City Communications Office

City of Kansas City, Mo.

www.kcmo.org

CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 20, 2009

City to hold H1N1 vaccination clinics Nov. 23 and 25

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department has scheduled public H1N1 vaccination clinics on Monday, Nov. 23 from 2-7 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while supplies last. The clinics will be in the Health Department Atrium, 2400 Troost Ave. Vaccines are free and are for members of the expanded priority groups only.

“We are using a fast-track registration system for those getting H1N1 vaccinations, resulting in very short wait times,” said Dr. Rex Archer, director of the Health Department. ”However, some residents still do not know where to get vaccinated. Those that cannot attend our clinics should check with their doctors’ offices or local clinics about vaccination availability.”

Vaccines will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last for the following expanded priority groups:

§ Pregnant women

§ Children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old

§ Adults 25 to 64 years old with significant chronic health conditions

§ Household contacts and caregivers of children under six months

§ Health care workers with identification

Unfortunately, those 65 years old and older are not yet eligible for H1N1 vaccinations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Unlike regular seasonal influenza, those over 65 have been less likely to become infected with H1N1.

More than 64,000 doses of vaccine have already been distributed to medical providers in Kansas City, Mo. These providers have agreed to use these doses for people in the priority groups. Another 1400 people have been vaccinated in clinics at the Health Department.

For more information on vaccine availability, call (816) 513-6008.

Media inquiries about this topic should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, public information officer for the Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).

--30 --