'A success'

Taylor Schepper (left) receives her H1N1 Flu Shot from nurse Sue Anderson during Northview High School's H1N1 Influenza Vaccination clinic, Friday. The Clay County Health Department, delivered vaccinations to students within the Clay Community School Corporation throughout the week. [Order this photo]

Students at Northview High School stood in line patiently to receive either the inactive H1N1 injectable vaccine or the live attenuated H1N1 intranasal mist vaccine.

Freshman Taylor Schepper, daughter of Michell Hull, Brazil, didn't have a problem with the shot.

"It was alright," she said. "I didn't feel it, so it didn't hurt."

Clay County Health Officer Dr. S. Rahim Farid said the week was a success with the combined work of the community.

"There were two kids with some vomiting complications," Farid said. "It happens in (the elementary age) group."

Dr. Farid said the Clay County Health Department vaccinated approximately 2,000 students and teachers.

"We have had good cooperation with the (Clay County) Sheriff's Department, TransCare, and the Clay Community School Corporation administration," he said. "TransCare has been available all hours the clinic was in operation."

According to Dr. Farid, Clay County was the first in the seven-county area to distribute the vaccine to students.

"It was a joint effort between the Health Department and the school corporation," he said. "The school administration has been very cooperative."

The health department hired four extra nurses and Ivy Tech Community College nursing students from Greencastle volunteered.

High school students were required to have a signed permission slip and students in the elementary schools had to have parents with them.

After being vaccinated, the names were added to the Indiana Department of Health and students were required to sit for 10 minutes.

"We have had wonderful support from the community," Public Health Nurse Diane Dierks said.

Dr. Farid wanted to extend thanks to his staff and volunteers who worked diligently to provide the vaccines to students.

"It was a long week and they have spent a long time preparing for this," he said. "They did an excellent job."

According to Dr. Farid, the World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting that a second shot may not be needed for children under 9, but he is waiting for a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When asked about people refusing to get the shot, Dr. Farid said he believes it is better to be safe than sorry.

"Some people may say it may not be necessary, but it's a precaution," he said.

Flu symptoms

The following is a list of symptoms that come with influenza, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

* Fever,

* Cough,

* Sore throat,

* Runny or stuffy nose,

* Body aches,

* Headache,

* Chills,

* Fatigue,

* Diarrhea, and

* Vomiting.

The CDC states it's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. If someone is sick with flu-like symptoms, they should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.