Nov 20, 2009 5:50 pm US/Eastern
Baltimore Co. Holds Biggest H1N1 Clinic Yet
RANDALLSTOWN, Md. (WJZ) ―
The CDC releases encouraging H1N1 numbers as we get into the heart of flu season, but admits the fight against the virus is far from over.
Weijia Jiang has the latest on how local health departments are protecting Marylanders.
Baltimore County held its largest flu clinic yet, but there still aren't enough doses for everyone.
About 4,000 more Marylanders are immune from the H1N1 flu after Baltimore County's vaccine clinic.
"We've already lost one child to illness. We have three more and it's very important they all be healthy," said Averie Perkins.
"I was worried I might get it. You know, it's been killing a lot of people and I felt nervous," said nine-year-old Gabriel Godey.
Because the county had so many appointments Friday, for the first time they called in EMS crews to help give the vaccine.
"Very simple, very easy, very fast," said mother Susan Pfaff.
To date, the state has ordered nearly one million doses, just a third of the amount needed to treat target risk groups. Thirty Marylanders have died with H1N1 flu-related illness, and five of those were children.
The CDC reports H1N1-related visits to the doctor have decreased for the third straight week. The number of flu-related deaths also went down. Still, authorities admit the figures are very high for this time of year and warn they could worsen with the start of the holiday travel season. The CDC urges people to travel only if they feel well and to take preventative measures. Authorities stress the best form of protection is a vaccine.
"We want people to get vaccinated and we're trying to make it as convenient and seamless as possible," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.
The next community clinic in Baltimore County is scheduled for Dec. 8 and 9 at the Timonium Fairgrounds. It's expected to be larger than the one held Friday, but you have to have an appointment.
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