City of New Bedford Announces Upcoming Public H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics

New Bedford, Massachusetts – New Bedford Health officials announce upcoming H1N1 (swine) Flu and Seasonal Flu vaccination clinics. The first clinic will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2010 between the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center located on the corner of Rivet Street and Crapo Street with parking in the rear of the building on Crapo Street. The second clinic will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2010 between the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Center located at 47 South Sixth Street with ample parking in the church lot. Both clinics will offer H1N1 and Seasonal Flu vaccinations. The New Bedford Health Department has been working closely with the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, the Fall River Diocese, and the Interchurch Council to promote these clinics and provide outreach to the non-English speaking populations in our community.

In recognition of the increased availability of H1N1 vaccine from the federal government, both clinics will provide H1N1 vaccinations to all members of the general public, not just those in priority groups. However, the following groups are strongly encouraged to attend:

* All children 6 months to 18 years of age (Must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian)
o 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.

* Pregnant women and other individuals in their household
* Individuals who live with infants younger than 6 months of age
* Healthcare personnel, including dental health care personnel
* Adults with high risk medical conditions

The Center for Disease Control reminds residents that both the H1N1 and the Seasonal Flu are unpredictable and they urge residents to get vaccinated. They explain that the timing, spread and severity of both influenza viruses is uncertain. Flu outbreaks may occur in different places at different times. Flu season can last as late as May. It is possible that other waves of influenza activity may occur this flu season – caused by either H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses.

“Flu is unpredictable, and we don’t know yet whether we’ll see another wave of illness this flu season,” said Marianne De Souza, Director of the New Bedford Health Department. “So it’s important that we continue our efforts to provide as many opportunities as we can for residents to get vaccinated – this year, more than ever.”

All vaccines will be provided at the upcoming clinics free of charge and on a first-come, first-serve basis. H1N1 Vaccine will be available for non-residents and residents. However, Seasonal Flu Vaccine will only be offered to New Bedford residents. Anyone seeking either vaccine is asked to bring their health insurance cards, although insurance is not required to get vaccinated at the clinic. Portuguese and Spanish translators will be available at both clinics and both are handicap accessible.

Additionally, the New Bedford Health Department offers Free Public Immunization Clinics at their office at 1213 Purchase Street on Monday’s and Friday’s from 1:00pm to 3:30pm for both the H1N1 and the Seasonal Flu vaccinations. Please call the New Bedford Health Department to schedule an appointment.

For more information, please contact the City of New Bedford Health Department at 508-991-6199.