'High Risk' H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic Set for Nov. 7

The clinic will be held at Smart's Mill Middle School, 850 North King Street in Leesburg, beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 2 p.m., or until all vaccine has been administered. The vaccine will be offered to persons in high-risk categories on a walk-in basis free of charge, and those desiring vaccination are encouraged to wear a short sleeve shirt or top.

The formulation of injectable H1N1 vaccine available contains thimerosal, and can only be given to people four years of age and older. There will also be a small amount of live, attenuated (mist) H1N1 vaccine for children ages two to nine years of age without chronic medical conditions; the mist formulation does not contain thimerosal.

 Loudoun County's Nov. 7 H1N1 vaccination clinic is intended only for people in the following high risk categories:

 * Pregnant women.

 * Children from four to 18 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications, including asthma and other chronic lung diseases; heart or kidney disease; metabolic disorders (such as diabetes); blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia); weakened immune systems (such as children with cancer, HIV or AIDS, or who are on medications like steroids or others that weaken the immune system); muscle or nerve disorders that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems; or medical conditions that require them to be on aspirin therapy.

 * Children from two years to nine years of age with no underlying medical conditions.

 Additional clinics will be set up to provide H1N1 vaccine to those outside these target groups as soon as further vaccine shipments arrive. When the clinics are scheduled, the most up-to-date information will be posted at www.loudoun.gov/flu . Questions and concerns can be directed to the Loudoun County Health Department at flu@loudoun.gov or by calling the flu information line, 703-771-5512.