Nov 4, 2009 6:21 am US/Eastern
Local Governments Have Different Vaccine Plans
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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There are no federal regulations on how to distribute the H1N1 vaccine, so local governments are making their own plans.
Many counties are giving young people the H1N1 vaccine at school, but others are giving it out at first come, first serve clinics.
Andrea Fujii reports that is leaving many parents frustrated.
Two Howard County high schools are the latest of many schools across Maryland to be transformed into H1N1 flu clinics. Hundreds of students are now immune.
"Within a few days they'll all be protected from the swine flu," said Peter Beilenson, Howard County Health Commissioner.
That protection offers enormous relief for young people--one of the main target groups--and for their parents. Two young people are among the state's latest fatalities.
"The scare with the kid that died, that was a wake-up call," said Amy Amy, parent.
"I knew I would get it one way or another, because I really wanted to get it," said Melissa Amy, Howard High School junior.
Because there are no federal regulations about how to distribute the vaccine-- only recommendations to treat target risk groups first--local governments are using several different methods.
Some health departments save the bulk of doses for schools. Others opt for mass clinics to treat everyone considered most at risk.
Baltimore County has held multiple community clinics, but it's still waiting for more doses before planning in-school programs.
Anne Arundel County has not held any clinics, but takes appointments only. It's also waiting to go into schools.
Last week, Carroll County started immunizing in schools, but only for elementary aged kids.
Harford County nurses have been to nearly a dozen schools with four more locations scheduled for Wednesday.
Baltimore City is launching its school campaign Wednesday after sending out 80,000 consent forms to parents.
Around the region, parents are torn about which is the best option.
"My kids have had the same doctor since they were born, so that's where I feel most comfortable going," said John Dant, Baltimore County parent.
"It would be one less thing for us to take our children to another location and wait in line. If it were at the schools, it would be a fabulous thing," said Rhonda Drew, Baltimore County parent.
Of course, the location does not matter if the supply is not there. Maryland continues to battle a nationwide shortage. But state health officials say they are encouraged because this week they ordered record amounts of the vaccine.
In Maryland, 13 people have died as a result of contracting the H1N1 flu.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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