Seasonal flu clinics limited to locals

LISBON - Seasonal flu shots have become such a hot item that residents from outside Columbiana County are wanting to come here to receive their vaccination.

That's why county Health Commissioner Wesley Vins is requiring anyone who attends the five flu vaccine clinics scheduled for next week to bring with them some proof of residency.

Vins announced this extraordinary step on Friday after his staff began receiving inquiries from people outside the county about when and where the public flu vaccine clinics are to be held. The number of phone calls increased following Thursday's story in local newspapers announcing the upcoming clinics.

"That's absolutely crazy," he said of the interest the clinics have drawn from people in northeast Ohio. "We are concerned that our vaccination supply will be exhausted by residents from outside the county."

The county health department has received to date about half of the 2,000 vaccinations it ordered, and there is concern there may not be enough to go around if people from other counties show up, which is why the proof of residency is being required.

"I want to make it clear the vaccinations are for Columbiana County residents only ... We've got to take care of our county residents first and foremost," he said.

Seasonal flu shots are limited to the elderly and adults or children with chronic medical conditions. The cost for anyone over the age of 19 is $25 through Medicare, Medicaid, check or cash.

The following is the list of clinics for adults only:

Monday

- Columbiana, 1-3 p.m., at City Hall, 28 W. Friend St.

Tuesday

- Salineville, 9-11 a.m. at the Salineville Kiwanis Building, 100 North St.

- Wellsville, 1-3 p.m. at Village Hall, 12th and Main streets.

Wednesday

- Hanover Township, 9-11 a.m. at the township hall, 29308 U.S. Route 30, Hanoverton.

Friday

- County Health Department, 9-11 a.m. at the health department, 7360 state Route 45, Lisbon.

A clinic for youths from six months to 18 years old will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31 at the health department offices. The vaccinations are free for this age group.

In other news, Vins said clinics to administer the H1N1 flu vaccine are also scheduled for next week, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. These first found of H1N1 clinics are only for first responders, pregnant women with a doctor's referral, and health care providers involved in direct patient care. Other clinics will be scheduled for the general public as more vaccines become available. Preregistration is recommended at www.odh.ohio.gov.