The clinic I am going to for my OB-GYN is considered too small to receive any shipments of the H1N1 vaccine and being newer to the area (Cottage Grove/Woodbury) I have not found a regular GP Doctor in a normal hospital to go to--so, I'm not sure what hospitals/clinics have received the vaccine yet?
Hearing reports of vaccine shortages and how dangerous it can be for pregnant women has made me really eager to receive the vaccine. If anyone can tell me of a specific Hospital or Clinic in the area that they know/have heard that they have the H1N1 flu vaccine, it would be much appreciated--all of my efforts to search on the internet have only turned up news reports!
Thanks!
Thanks for all of your wonderful responses ladies! Shannon, I hope you are not getting in trouble with the clinic for sharing that info! I was actually going to call them this afternoon until I read Marla L's response. Is it just me, or is it kind of shady of them to keep vaccines only for their patients? (no offense to you Shannon, I'm glad your boys were able to get it!). I did hear from a nurse friend who did get the vaccine (they had a shipment for health care workers at their hospital) that the doctors there were stealing some to take home to their families--which freaks me out even more that if they are that scared to steal it for their families that this is a pretty major flu. Although I'm glad to hear that some of you that responded who have actually had it--have gotten through it--even though it still sucked.
Oh, and Cindy L--I do agree that hot beverages and using neti pots with salt water really do help. My friend that is a scientist that has worked with some vaccine development and swears by the neti pot. AND, I have read that washing your hands is kind of the tip of the iceberg for prevention--the virus is airborne--you are mostly going to get it by walking into a space where someone who has the virus coughed/sneezed.
I did have a OB visit this morning with my Doctor and she said the same thing that some of you are too--that the vaccine won't be available for the general public--even for the people in high risk categories--until maybe December in MN. She said that the only hospital that she knew of that was giving the H1N1 vaccines to patients (besides some that have the flumist) was Children's--and those were for the kids that REALLy needed them. And Cindy, good to hear that the Tami-Flu did work for your son with asthma (I have asthma, too). My Doctor DID say that I could take an anti-viral, like Tami-Flu, if I thought that I had been exposed to it. The sooner you take that once you've been exposed, the better. I guess until December I'll just have to keep praying that our family can be bypassed by this bug! And of course, lots of hand-washing, hand-sanitizer, salt-water up my nose, and more or less cocooning ourselves from the general public ;)
Thanks again ladies! I'll be praying you all stay well (or get better for some of you!) this crazy flu season! My clinic will send us out an e-mail when they have heard it will be available, I'll try and post it when I get it!
Based on Shannon's response, my husband called the Allina Clinic.
They were not happy to hear that someone went on the internet and shared that they have the vaccine. Wanted to know where the information was posted and stated that it is confidential information... blah, blah, blah.
He was told that they will not give the vaccine to anyone that is not already a current patient even those that are in the high rick category.
My 9 month old son just got one yesterday. We go to the Allina clinic in Woodbury. They just started giving them and are only giving them to pregnant women and children 6 months-5yrs. Give them a call. You will probably need to see a physician there first. I've been seeing Dr. Gurney for years, she delivered my second and is mine and both boys GP. I would higly recommend her.
Check out the MN dept. of health website.
Your doc should be able to let you know...
I am definitely no authority on this, but this is what I understand: the only vaccinations available now are the flu mist, which is a live, but weakened, virus. It is only available to healthcare workers and not safe for pregnant women or children due to the live virus. I have heard that the dead, injectable vaccinaiton should be available towards the end of October/beginning of November.
Just keep washing your hands and hopefully you will be safe!
from everything ive heard it wont be out until dec.for any clinic...i got hit with it 2 months ago..still feel crappy..moved into my lungs...good luck..wash your hands alot...
