WJHG - Medical Minute - Headlines

Swine Flu Meeting

Posted: Thu 9:13 PM, Oct 15, 2009

Jennifer Wolgamott came to the Community Health Task Force's H1N1 virus meeting Thursday afternoon because of the vaccination consent form her 8-year-old daughter brought home from school earlier in the week.

Wolgamott says she is conflicted on whether she should allow her daughter to receive the vaccination.

"I'm really looking for more information from the experts," says Wolgamott.

The Community Health Task Force asked acting-Bay County Health Director Dr. Dennis Cookro, to lead Thursday's discussion.

He confirmed what this mother already knew that the virus is targeting young people.

Dr. Cookro also told the crowd of about 30 people that he's especially concerned about another target demographic, pregnant women.

Although the department's first 1,700 doses of the nasal spray is going to health care workers, Dr. Cookro says the target groups will be treated soon.

"It's getting out quickly our only concern is hoping to get doses early and we will see more vaccines and there is a limited supplies," says Dr. Cookro.

More vaccine is expected next week, which will go to Bay County's elementary schools.

"We're going to start in the schools the 22nd if we have enough supplies," says Dr. Cookro.

Jennifer Walgamott has not decided if she will allow her daughter to be vaccinated, until she receives more information and education about swine flu.

Once students are vaccinated, the Bay County Health Department will offer the vaccine to the general public.

All of the vaccines will be administered free of charge.

Bay County will receive a total of 98,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine.


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