State: Two-thirds of South Dakotans still vulnerable to H1N1

PIERRE – More than 2,000 South Dakotans have had laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza and an estimated 50 times that many have had H1N1 but not been ill enough to seek medical care, says a state health official. Some 200,000 more have been vaccinated for H1N1 to date, leaving two-thirds of the state’s residents still at risk for H1N1 and its complications as the virus continues to circulate.

“The flu season is far from over in South Dakota. It would not be unusual to see an increase in cases in the next few weeks as people travel and mingle for the holiday season,” said Doneen Hollingsworth, Secretary of Health. “We strongly encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated now while we have vaccine and activity is lower. The more people we vaccinate now, the less disease we can expect to see as the season progresses.”

The state has now received and shipped out more than 240,000 doses of vaccine to over 400 locations in the state. With projections calling for that supply to continue increasing, the secretary said there is sufficient vaccine to start reaching out to the general population. Earlier supplies were targeted at individuals considered to be at highest risk.

Hollingsworth said public clinics continue to be scheduled at locations across the state, including schools, community centers, fire halls, senior centers and even this week’s Lakota Nation Invitational basketball tournament in Rapid City. A list of public clinics, updated daily, can be found on the department’s web site at http://h1n1.sd.gov under “Vaccination Dates.”

The vaccine is also available from private clinics and physician offices and the department’s own Community Health Services offices at the county level. Beginning December 21, vaccine will also be available at those pharmacies in the state that have chosen to be providers. A list will be available on the vaccination web site.

H1N1 vaccination is completely voluntary. The vaccine is free but some private providers may charge an administration fee. There is no fee charged at the public clinics or at the department’s Community Health offices.

In addition to H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination, people can help prevent the flu by frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

Go to http://h1n1.sd.gov and click on "Vaccination Dates" for an updated listing of scheduled clinics.

Scheduled H1N1 Vaccination Clinics

The listing of upcoming public clinics can be found on the web at http://h1n1.sd.gov under “Vaccination Dates.” In addition to these public clinics, the vaccine is also available from private clinics and physician offices and the department’s own Community Health Services offices at the county level. All South Dakotans are now eligible for H1N1 vaccine. Vaccination is voluntary and there is no charge for the vaccine. Private providers may charge an administration fee. There is no fee at the public clinics or at the department’s Community Health offices.

Friday, December 18

· Aberdeen - Avera St. Luke's Midland Campus, 1400 15th Ave. NW (North U.S. Highway 281; enter through the west - Door 3), 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Monday, December 21

· Baltic - Baltic School, 1 Bulldog Avenue, 1 - 7 p.m.

· Roscoe - Roscoe Fire Hall, 208 Mitchell St. - 3 - 6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22

· Belle Fourche - Butte County Community Health Office, 830 6th Ave., 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

· Britton - Marshall County Community Health Office, 909 S. Main, 1 - 6 p.m.

· Onida - Phoenix Center, 117 S. Main, 2 - 6 p.m.

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