LOCK HAVEN - Two large-scale flu clinics are being planned for Clinton County with the anticipation that 9,000 or more residents will want to be immunized against the H1N1 or "swine flu" influenza, according to William Frantz, Emergency Management Agency coordinator.
The date hasn't been set, Frantz said, but his office has coordinated with the Department of Health to identify two sites where the clinics will be held.
One of the clinics will be held at Lock Haven University, and the other will be at Bucktail Area High School.
Frantz said the clinics will be held over three, 12-hour days at each of the two sites. It's hoped that the clinic can be held at Bucktail during a half-school day, so it can run from 12:30 to 8 p.m., and allow school nurses and resource offices to participate in the effort, Frantz said.
"It's been a struggle setting this up," Frantz said. "The details are being worked out and we'll keep you in the loop."
State officials said there have been four test-confirmed cases of H1N1 in Clinton County since April.
Frantz and Clinton County Director of Emergency Services Kevin Fanning approached the Clinton County commissioners Monday because the size of the activity might require more security personnel than is available to those locations. Frantz said the Sheriff's Department might be able to provide additional support, and added he would be approaching that department once he had the commissioners' blessings.
On their part, the commissioners promised to provide any support they could accompanying their mission to protect the public's health and welfare.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced an additional 3.1 million doses of flu vaccine would be made available as the nation begins to enter the peak of flu season.
According to state officials, the Department of Health has broadened the criteria used to determine who can receive a flu shot, and Frantz said he anticipates anybody who shows up for the three-day clinics will be immunized.
The number one priority continues to be high-risk individuals and making sure they receive the protection they need against influenza, but the increased amount of vaccine available, the rise in the level of flu activity around the state and the decreased demand from high-risk individuals has allowed the department to expand the program.
The Department of Health is making an effort to ensure individuals who had expressed a desire to receive a shot, and were placed on a list, will receive one.
In addition to receiving the flu shot, department officials emphasized the need to practice the following basic steps to help prevent the spread of germs to others:
n Wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing food, before eating and after using the restroom.
n Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands to prevent spreading germs to objects like doorknobs and other household items.
n Get plenty of rest, eat properly and dress appropriately for the weather.
n Minimize time in crowded areas during the flu season, when the risk of exposure to germs increases.
n When practical, avoid contact with others if you have the flu.
