Over 3,000 receive H1N1 vaccine

If the usually jolly porculus smiling atop the Piggly Wiggly sign seemed a little miffed recently, it was because Gulf County Health Department employees invaded his domain - to administer swine flu shots, no less.

Young Piggly need not take it personally. For five months, the health department has been vigilant in fighting the H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu.

 After receiving the first shipment of H1N1 vaccine on Oct. 19, the health department began setting up Points of Distribution (PODs), or mobile shot clinics, throughout the county.

Beginning in November, the health department held PODs at all county public and private schools, including both North Florida Child Development sites and Faith Christian School.

Once enrolled, children received their shots, along with an H1N1 kit containing a thermometer, hand sanitizer, tissue and educational materials for both kids and parents.

Children nine and under received two shots, spaced a month apart.

Because young children are particularly at risk for H1N1, the health department trained teachers to watch for symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing).

All classrooms received a hardy supply of hand sanitizer and sanitation wipes.

Health department operations manager Clarissa Herndon said 33 percent of the county's 2,083 school children received the vaccination, a figure above the state average.

After vaccinating the tots, the health department began conducting PODs at area fire stations, with the county commissioners sponsoring PODs in their districts.

When businesses such as Piggly Wiggly and Beacon Villa Retirement Center requested PODs for their employees and customers, the health department dispatched nurses, shots and paperwork.

"Our partnerships with the community are already very strong, and we were able to move swiftly through the target groups," said Herndon.

Target groups identified in order of preference were pregnant mothers, caregivers of infants younger than six months old, health care workers, children and adults with underlying chronic conditions and the general public.

As of last Tuesday, 3,099 residents and visitors received the free H1N1 shots. No adverse reactions were reported.

"We were very pleased with the community participation," said Herndon. "Because we are a small county, we found that they were very manageable compared to some communities in South Florida, where they were attempting to vaccinate 150,000-200,000 people."

With the state reporting a possible "second wave" of H1N1 in February and March, the health department encourages everyone who has not yet received the H1N1 vaccination to get it now.

In June, when state labs became inundated with suspected H1N1 cases, the health department no longer submitted individual cases for testing, only those which occurred in clusters, such as three or more in one classroom.

Thus, if a person experienced flu like symptoms after June, he or she may not have had the H1N1 virus.

The health department extends an invitation to all business owners to take advantage of a free POD at their restaurant or business.

The health department will send a nurse, supplies and all paperwork to the site, and can vaccinate employees as well as customers.

"We're glad to do that. We can be there as early as next week," said Herndon.

Because flu season runs through April, Herndon also encourages citizens to receive their seasonal flu shots.

The flu shot costs $28 and is available at the health department. Appointments are recommended.

To request a POD at your business or for more information, contact the Gulf County Health Department at 850-227-1276.