Thimerosal-Free H1N1 Vaccinations Available in Lee County

By Patrick Comer

~“we have a limited number of thimerosal-free vaccines available”~

Dr. Judith Hartner explaining how the vaccinations will be distributed

Lee County is primed to begin a vaccination program the likes of which is unheard of in Lee County history. “This is a monumental undertaking,” said Judith Hartner, Lee County Medical Director. “It is not just Lee County. The world hasn’t seen anything like this since 1968.” Lee Memorial Health System currently sees about 120 patients a day with flu-like symptoms. “We’ve had so many in Lee County, we’ve stopped counting,” said Dr. Hartner. “This is an historical event.”

Dr. Tim Dougherty, Medical Director of Disaster Preparedness for Lee Memorial Health System acknowledged they’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. “If we’re really hit hard with H1N1 we have plans to move H1N1 patients to alternative treatment areas inside the hospitals,” Dr. Dougherty said.

Dr. Tim Dougherty, Medical Director of Disaster Preparedness for LMHS talks with reporters

Officials from the Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, Lee Memorial Health System, School District, Emergency Operations and United Way held a news conference on Wednesday to explain how and when the vaccinations will be done and to assure people the shots are safe. “It is an inactivated vaccine,” said Dr. Hartner. “It is expected to be just as safe as seasonal flu vaccines.”

In some parts of the country long lines have formed and people have waited for hours to get their shots. Many were afraid the vaccine would run out. But Lee County Health officials say they expect to have plenty of vaccine available. “We have about 9,000 doses available and we’re expecting another shipment today,” said Hartner. The Lee County Health Department anticipates administering approximately 4,000 doses at each clinic. The first clinic starts Thursday October 29, 2009. Officials promise there will be enough vaccine for everyone, but initially they would like to vaccinate only those in the high-risk categories, which include pregnant women, children and young adults ages 6 months-24 years, people who live with or care for children and young adults, health care workers, and people age 25-64 who have health conditions that make them prone to more serious problems from flu-like symptoms. No documentation is required to receive the vaccine.

County officials address reporters during news conference

“Please don’t come early,” warned Dr. Marilyn Kole, System Medical Director for Lee Memorial Health System. “There is no need for people to rush there.” Officials also encouraged residents to bring water, dress appropriately for the weather, and if they bring children, bring games or books to keep them occupied while waiting.

Public comments have ranged from saying the whole issue is overblown, to saying it is similar to previous outbreaks like West Nile Virus. But Dr. Hartner says comparing H1N1 to West Nile virus outbreaks is like comparing a Great Dane to a Chihuahua. “West Nile Virus made maybe 20 people sick,” said Hartner. “Lee Memorial Health Systems sees about 120 people a day right now with flu-like symptoms, likely related to H1N1, and it is not even flu season yet.”

Parents are concerned about their children contracting H1N1, but there are also many parents deeply concerned about the potential effects of Thimerosal (mercury) in H1N1 vaccinations.  “There has been repeated, well done research, that Thimerosal is safe,” assured Dr. Hartner. But some parents, especially parents with autistic children, may remain unconvinced that mercury or Thimerosal in vaccinations is not harmful to their children. And for them there is good news. “We have a limited supply of Thimerosal-free vaccinations available,” said Hartner. Parents wanting Thimerosal-free vaccinations should let officials know their desire when attending one of the clinics.

Linda Pankow, United Way 2-1-1 telling reporters more volunteers are still needed

Visitors  are also being reminded to come to hospitals only when necessary, and never if they have flu-like symptoms. “Don’t be alarmed if someone asks you when you enter a hospital if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or asks you to wear a mask” said Dr. Kole. She also warned that people will start to see medical staff wearing masks. She said this is all part of a plan to keep health care workers healthy and able to care for patients during the pandemic.

“Volunteers are still needed to help during the clinics,” said Linda Pankow, Director of United Way’s 2-1-1 program. About 930 people have signed up to volunteer but many more are still needed. “We’re asking people to call 2-1-1 or 433-3900 if they would like to help.”