Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The supply of H1N1 vaccine in Maine has doubled in the past couple of weeks, resulting in improved access to the shot for people in the high-risk groups statewide. The supply in our local area has also increased, with The Aroostook Medical Center staff working to distribute vaccine to high-risk individuals. A clinic date has been set for individuals in the high-risk category to receive the H1N1 vaccination, while others can receive their annual flu shot.
“The Aroostook Medical Center will hold a free seasonal and H1N1 vaccine clinic on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle. The seasonal flu vaccine will be available to anyone who wants it. H1N1 vaccine will be provided for those in the priority group identified by the Maine CDC,” said Andy Saucier, of TAMC’s public relations office.
The priority group includes:
• Pregnant women;
• Caregivers and household members of infants younger than 6 months old;
• All people 6 through 24 years of age;
• People ages 25 through 64 with certain underlying medical conditions; and
• Inpatient and outpatient health care workers with frequent, direct contact with high-priority patients and infectious materials.
Those who want the H1N1 vaccine will be asked to complete a screening form at the vaccination clinic. More information about this clinic can be found at www.tamc.org.
A clinic has also been scheduled for children.
“TAMC will also offer a free pediatric flu shot clinic for Aroostook Pediatrics patients at North Street Healthcare on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Both seasonal and H1N1 vaccine will be available at the clinic; no appointment is necessary,” said Saucier.
After carefully considering the latest information about influenza in our area, TAMC has changed its temporary visitation policy at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital.
“Prior to this week, people 18 years of age and under were asked to postpone trips to the hospital to visit patients. While people with flu-like symptoms are advised to avoid visiting the hospital, people 18 and under are welcome to visit patients. Weekend visitors should continue to use the hospital’s Main Entrance,” Saucier explained.
Saucier said people with flu-like symptoms are advised to avoid going to the Emergency Department unless they experience dehydration, have trouble breathing, are getting better and then suddenly get a lot worse, or experience a major change in condition.
“These complications happen only rarely,” said Saucier.
For more information about the upcoming clinics, please visit the TAMC Web site www.tamc.org or call TAMC’s H1N1 Information Line at 768-4600.
