Health officials cut Saturday Boise swine-flu clinics to one

Nov. 3, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Health officials in Boise are adjusting their H1N1 strategy this week, closing their mass immunization clinic at the former Comp USA and getting more vaccines into doctor's offices and pharmacies.

The Central District Health Department is preparing to hand out about 3,200 vaccines to private pediatricians, obstetricians and pharmacies and about 1,000 to Boise State University.

When the Central District Health Department will resume vaccinating children in the Meridian and Boise school districts remains up in the air.

"Officials with CDHD will be assessing the vaccine supply this week and next before making decisions on the resumption of school-based vaccination programs," according to a department news release Tuesday.

The health department will keep open open a single mass vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m this Saturday, Nov. 7, at the former K-Mart store, 1001 ParkCenter Blvd.

The clinic is open to:

--Pregnant women.

--People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.

--Health care and emergency medical services personnel.

--People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old. Healthy people, as well as those with underlying health conditions are welcome.

--People ages 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Boise State University will receive its first shipment of 1,000 doses of vaccine for students at highest risk of serious complications of flu infection.

For more information on the availability of H1N1 flu vaccines, visit the health department Web site at www.cdhd.idaho.gov or call the flu hot line at 321-2222.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0234-39404384