Durham, N.C. – At the most recent H1N1 Vaccination Clinic, more than 1,500 people lined up to receive the H1N1 vaccination.  Large numbers of people at one place and one time has caused extreme wait times for vaccination-seekers.  Responding to client needs, the Durham County Health Department has increased the frequency of clinics and the length of clinic hours.  Beginning next week, throughout the month of December, H1N1 Vaccination Clinics will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

“The new H1N1 Vaccination Clinic hours allow our staff to deliver vaccines to our community in a more continuous flow and decrease lag time between clinics,” said Gayle Harris, director of the Durham County Health Department. 

While vaccination clinics will be open more often, with extended hours, those in need of vaccinations will be required to make an appointment to be seen at the Durham County Health Department, located at 414 East Main Street.   Scheduled appointments will allow clinicians to have a clear idea of how many people can be conveniently seen on a given day.

Vaccination clinics will be geared toward people who are a part of the target group identified by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.  These individuals include pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months of age, anyone from six months through 24 years of age, anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system, and health care and emergency medical personnel.  All children that receive the vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The next H1N1 Vaccination Clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24.  Appointments for this clinic and any upcoming clinics can be made by calling the H1N1 Vaccination Information Line at 919-560-7882.  For additional information about the H1N1 vaccine and other clinics in the Durham area, visit the Durham County Health Department website.