Dec 8, 2009 5:19 pm US/Eastern
Swine Flu Vaccine Available To All Md. Residents
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
After months of limiting the H1N1 vaccine to high risk groups, the shot is now available to everyone.
Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn reports state health officials are now giving every Marylander access to the H1N1 vaccine.
"We're opening up to all the general population for the H1N1 vaccine," said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Branch.
Anyone who wants the H1N1 vaccine can now get it, including healthy adults and seniors.
"I came out with my granddaughter today and they said I could get the shot, too," said Ann Timinsky. "I lucked out."
The H1N1 vaccine was previously limited to pregnant women, caregivers of children under six months old, healthcare workers, people six months to 24 years old and those 25 to 64 with health problems.
But with flu activity on the decline and vaccine availability on the rise, Governor O'Malley says it's time for a change.
"Now we've received enough of the vaccine--almost 1.5 million doses--we feel confident that we can start offering it generally," he said.
"I was very concerned, especially with all the deaths you hear," said Pamela Lebinson.
According to the State Health Department, there have been at least 35 deaths in Maryland associated with swine flu and more than 900 people have been hospitalized.
Demand for the H1N1 vaccine is so great, about 4,000 Marylanders made appointments for Tuesday's clinic, including Angela Garner, who initially came for her kids.
"I'm actually a mother of four, so it's important for me to take care of myself as well," Garner said.
"Right now it's still important that everybody who can get the H1N1 vaccine does so," O'Malley said.
Both the FluMist nasal spray and the H1N1 shots will be available at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also get the shot Friday at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore.
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