BURLINGTON - The supply of H1N1 vaccine appears more than adequate to meet demand, based on the response to the latest free flu clinic held Saturday at Burlington High School.

The county's three health departments - City of Racine, Caledonia-Mount Pleasant and Western Racine County - sponsored the four-hour clinic. With approximately 3,000 doses available, 1,299 people took the vaccine, said clinic spokeswoman Sarah Clemons.

About half took the vaccine as an injection and about half in the nasal spray form, she said.

"We're trying to target pregnant women and children under 18," Clemons said. "But we're not turning anyone away."

In fact, many healthy adults came in thinking only their children would be vaccinated - but ended up getting the vaccine themselves because there was plenty to go around.

"I wasn't going to get it; I didn't know you could," said Patty Mayotte of Raymond, just after her vaccination. "I decided at the last minute that I would."

Michele Jones drove from Racine with her daughter Ann, 8, and decided to get vaccinated also. Both opted for the nasal spray form, which is administered one nasal passage at a time.

"Just sniff," Kathy Vessel, the vaccinator, instructed them. "Don't blow your nose."

Jones, who had previously had her young son vaccinated, said she was taking precautions.

Union Grove resident Charlette Filler's two children both chose the slight prick of the needle to the nasal spray. "Because I don't like it up my nose," explained Victoria Filler, 9. Her brother, Timothy, 6, echoed that opinion, and neither seemed the least bit bothered by the shot they'd just received.

The H1N1, or "swine" flu, is an active illness, according to a situation report issued Wednesday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Seventy of the state's 72 counties have reported confirmed cases - although all five regions are reporting modest reductions in

numbers.

There is a benefit to allowing more people to get the immunizations, said Cheryl Mazmanian, health officer for the Western Racine County Health Department.

"They talk about ‘herd immunity,' " she said. "It keeps it from spreading to those who are not vaccinated."

The health agencies had aimed for about 1,200 vaccinations Saturday, so they somewhat exceeded their goal.

As of Thursday, Clemons said, with the vaccine becoming more plentiful, public health officials will add another target population: adults 19-64 with chronic medical conditions.

By next year, Mazmanian said, the H1N1 vaccine will be built into the regular seasonal flu vaccine.

Another county health clinic will take place Friday at Case High School.

Another Clinic On Friday

WHAT: H1N1 vaccine clinic

WHERE: Case High School, 7345 Washington Ave.

WHEN:

 

WHO SHOULD GO:

 

COST:

 

Free Sponsors are targeting: pregnant women; all children younger than 18; health care and day care providers; and adults 19-64 with chronic medical conditions. 5-8 p.m. Friday