Posted at: 11/15/2009 11:17 PM
By: Lorilyn Prestidge

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First H1N1 Clinic for Freeborn County

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Some reassuring news about H1N1, health officials say the virus may be easing but there is also a warning of a possible second wave and this comes at a time when we are facing a vaccine shortage.

Because of that shortage, some counties are just now holding their first or second H1N1 clinics.

Getting the H1N1 vaccine for her 4-year-old daughter Mya has been something Jennifer Nelson has been waiting for.

"You read about some of the deaths involved with this and if you can do something as a precaution so you don't end up in that position than why not," said Jennifer Nelson.

While many have been waiting for the vaccine, some have been seeing their loved ones get sick.

Patti Nesse's grandson has come down with h1n1 virus, which makes her worried.

"It's very scary, its hard to watch the little kids go through that," said Patti Nesse.

These concerns are why this H1N1 clinic for high risks groups in Freeborn County was so popular.

"I wish I had enough vaccine to give it to everybody today," said Director of Freeborn County Public Health Department, Lois Ahern.

This is the second clinic in Freeborn County; the vaccine has been a little slower in getting here.

"I kept hearing on the news Mower County doing it, Olmsted County doing it and now finally Freeborn County was doing it," said Nesse.

"The bottom line is that there will be enough vaccine coming in the state, anyone who wants it can receive the vaccine," said Ahern.

And the best idea of when that's going to be.

"If I had a crystal ball, my best guess will be early December," said Ahern.

The good news is recent reports say the virus spread is easing as vaccine is starting to trickle in.

Health officials say the vaccine is safe and has been thoroughly tested.

Although as seen in a recent death in China, those with allergies do need to take precautions.

"One of the slight risks in any immunization is having an allergic reaction and we do ask people if they have any allergies so we try to screen for that ahead of time," said Ahern.

A screening nelson was glad to take.

"Hopefully everything goes well, and she stays healthy now," said Nelson.

Health officials say getting the vaccine is still only one component in avoiding the illness.

They still recommend doing the things we have heard about all along, staying home if you are sick, covering your cough, and washing your hands.