In a joint effort to reach individuals at high risk for the H1N1 virus, Emergency Medical Services and Public Health-Madison and Dane County are opening 12 clinics across the county and deeming Dec. 12 “Immunization Saturday.”
Jeff Golden, spokesperson for Public Health, said the goal is to immunize more of the community to create less of a fertile ground for the virus to spread.
Golden said the opening of multiple EMS volunteer clinics for the day is an innovative approach to work with Public Health in reaching areas outside of Madison.
EMS and Public Health are asking high-risk people to go to these clinics. Upon arrival, individuals will have to complete a consent form and undergo a standard, 15-minute waiting period, according to Golden.
The sponsors have identified target groups who are considered high risk.
According to the statement, those at risk include pregnant women, 25- to 64-year-olds with health conditions and those aged 6 months to 24 years.
Public Health is asking those who are not in the target groups to be patient in waiting for vaccines.
“We want to protect those who are at high risk from suffering severe consequences,” Golden said. “H1N1 is different from the seasonal flu behaviorally, but the intensity is increased for only the high-risk groups.”
Sarah Van Orman, executive director of University Health Services, said H1N1 activity on campus is currently very low. She still urges students to take 10 to 15 minutes out of the day and visit UHS to get a vaccination.
“UHS is open Monday through Friday, and we have plenty of vaccines available,” Van Orman said. “No appointment is necessary. While students may use the clinics on Immunization [Saturday], it is probably faster and easier to come to UHS.”
When it comes to the Madison area, Golden said Public Health is hoping to have more supplies available to reopen clinics in January.
“Most of the Public Health clinics are primarily targeting people who do not have a health care provider or those who are without insurance,” Van Orman said.
Across the county, Public Health still has regular clinics providing immunization, which operate by appointment-only year-round.
