Three H1N1 clinics to be held next week

Maxim Healthcare Services has scheduled three H1N1 vaccination clinics to be held the first week in December. Individuals covered by the criteria set by Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will be eligible to receive either the live nasal vaccine or the shot that does not contain the live vaccine.

The first of the three clinics will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Oak Hill Enrichment Center from the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The Enrichment Center is located at 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The second and third clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 3-4. at the Maxim Healthcare Services office located in the Times Square Plaza Building at 3245 U.S. 19, Spring Hill.

The nasal vaccine is licensed for people 2 to 49 years of age. It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with long-term health problems and children from 6 months to 2 years of age. Priority will be given to those 25 to 49 years of age that are caregivers or live in a household with a child 6 months or younger; health care workers/emergency personnel (does not include law enforcement at this time); and those 2 to 24 years of age. The nasal vaccine that will be used for these clinics is manufactured by Medlmmune, LLC. It is a live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV) that is sprayed into the nose. The vaccine virus is weakened so it may not cause illness. It does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives.

The H1N1 shot vaccine is not a live virus and does contain thimerosol. Its use is recommended for pregnant women, those between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age (under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian); between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age and have one or more health conditions associated with the higher risk of medical complications from influenza; health care or emergency medical service personnel and those that are a caregiver of a child under 6 months of age.

Vaccinations will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. The administrative fee is $15.00. Accepted

Insurances that will cover this fee include: Aetna Americhoice, Emblem Health, Evercare, GHI, Golden Rule, HIP of NY, Medicare B, Oxford, Pacificare, Student Resources, Sierra Health; Summa Care; Secure Horizons, UMR, Unicare, Unison, United Health Care and Vytra.

For more information, call 352-683-2885.