By ANNE BLANKENSHIP

Daily Freeman-Journal Managing Editor

The Centers for Disease Control are predicting another wave of H1N1 flu will hit the state after Christmas and local public health officials are urging those in high risk groups to get vaccinated in December.

"The best protection for our community against this flu strain is for 40 percent of the highest risk group to get vaccinated," according to Shelby Kroona, administrator of Hamilton County Public Health. Children comprise that highest risk group, she added.

Kroona said that to date, 1,565 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been given in Hamilton County. That's about 20 percent of the expected doses, she said.

"We've had several clinics as we've received the vaccine and there has been good response from the rural areas of the county, though I'm not sure if we've reached the 40 percent level in those areas yet," she noted. But an even smaller percentage of Webster City residents have received the vaccine, she added.

A new series of clinics have been scheduled for December.

"We've got at least three clinics per week through December, so there still time for people to get vaccinated and have the vaccine take effect before the next wave of flu is expected to hit," she said.

Persons in high risk categories include children and young adults ages 6 months to 26 years, pregnant women with a signed permission slip from their physician, household contacts and caregivers (younger than 65) of an infant less than 6 months old; and persons 25 to 64 years old with medical conditions.

Children ages 9 and younger require two doses to be fully vaccinated, she added.

"Parents can bring children who have had their first dose to any of the clinics to get that second dose," she said.

Kroona said her agency has tried to implement clinic hours that will fit many schedules. Clinics are set for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

"People are busy and we want to make the clinic available at a variety of times for their convenience," she said.

Kroona said that to date there have been no adverse effects reported from the H1N1 vaccines, and that the shots are safe and effective.

"The vaccine is produced in the same was as the seasonal flu vaccine has been prepared. There is 60 years worth of experience in that production," she said.

Kroona also reminded county residents that there is no charge for the shots. The vaccine is being provided free by the government.

For more information about the upcoming clinics or for answers to other questions about the H1N1 flu, Kroona urged people to contact public health at 832-9565.

Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjournal.net or call 832-4350.