H1N1 vaccine only for priority groups

The line of people waiting for the Novel H1N1 vaccine wrapped around the corner of the Aiken County Complex on Tuesday, but some were shocked to learn they were not yet in the priority group to receive the vaccine.

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control told a few people they were not eligible to receive either the nasal spray or shot because their age, primarily, does not fall in the group considered to be at the highest risk for contracting H1N1 as named by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A sign just inside the door of the Aiken County Health Department, where the clinic was being held, noted the priority groups were pregnant women, those ages 6 months to 24, caregivers of infants younger than 6 months and health care workers.

Many young children stood with their parents or grandparents in line Tuesday as well as women who were pregnant.

An older man, who asked not to be identified, was turned away because he was told his age demographic was not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.

Health department staff directed all media inquiries to Barbara Grice, director of health education and community services for Region 5 Public Health.

Grice could not be reached for comment.

According to its website, the CDC recommends, "that once the demand for vaccine for these target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65."

"We are counting on people to be honest and use good judgement," said Jim Beasley, SCDHEC spokesman. "If you're not in a priority group, please understand you're not as vulnerable. You wouldn't want to take the vaccine away from someone who is more vulnerable than you. We strongly encourage people to contact their private health care providers for the vaccine. We suspect the majority of H1N1 vaccines will be administered by private providers."

Miranda Skinner stood toward the front of the line with her 7-year-old daughter Mallory.

"I don't want to get the swine flu," Miranda said. "If we can do anything to stay healthy, we'll do it. I have asthma and she (Mallory) is under 24."

"It's an important thing, and I think everyone should get it," Mallory said.

Mallory said she stays healthy by eating a lot of fruit and a lot of "green stuff." Health care professionals recommend washing your hands often with soap and water, trying to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and staying home if you get sick to prevent the spread of illness.

"I am not going to risk not getting it," said Sirena Ahlers, who is due next week with her second child. "I have been concerned with it because I'm pregnant, and I have a toddler, too."

On Friday, South Carolina was allocated another 131,000 vaccines. Beasley said once county health departments and private providers place their orders, the vaccines should arrive by the end of next week.