The health department will begin offering the H1N1 vaccine to people 25 through 64 years of age who have chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.

The department’s H1N1 vaccine clinic at Carew Medical Park is open today from 2 to 6:30 p.m. The clinic will also be open Thursday from 1 to 6:30 p.m.

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health has been following the national H1N1 vaccine prioritization recommendations developed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).  The ACIP has recommended that certain groups receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available because they are at highest risk of having severe illness with the H1N1 virus. 

Because early supplies have been very limited, the department has so far reserved the vaccine for pregnant women, caregivers of infants, persons 6 months through 24 years of age, and healthcare workers with direct patient contact. Now adults up through age 64 with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes are eligible.

Children under the age of 10 will need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, four weeks apart, to be fully protected. Beginning next week, parents will be able to bring their children back to the Carew clinic to get the second dose as long as they have their vaccination card. Without the card, a child will not be able to get the second dose at Carew.

If a parent has lost or misplaced the card, the parent will need to request an immunization record by going to the health department’s Immunization Clinic on the 5th floor of the City-County Building during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More than 10,700 people have been vaccinated for H1N1 flu since the clinic opened on Oct. 9. The vaccine is free. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of influenza should stay home and contact a health care provider. People can also limit the spread of flu by covering their cough and washing their hands.