SVMC Swine Flu Clinic

To reduce waiting and speed the delivery of H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine to people most at risk of complications from the disease, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) is taking appointments for the November 30 flu clinic.
The clinic has a limited number of vaccines available. As a result, only people in high-risk groups will be able to receive it. The high-risk groups are defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age,  healthcare and emergency medical services personnel under age 65, persons between the ages of six months and 24 years old and people between the ages of 25 and 64 who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
People who do not fit into one of the high risk priority groups will not be vaccinated. Anyone under age 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a consent form. To request an appointment, visit svhealthcare.org and follow the link from the main page or call the flu clinic hotline at 802-447-5559 and press number 2.
The appointments will be scheduled from noon to 3 pm on November 30, with additional appointments available on December 12 from 9 am to noon.
The Vermont Department of Health coordinates the release of H1N1 vaccine. SVMC is working with the Department of Health to plan future clinics as more H1N1 vaccine becomes available. For more information about the H1N1 clinic and the guidelines for the high-risk target groups, call the Vermont Department of Health’s Flu Information Line at 2-1-1.
VNA & Hospice of SVHC is a not-for-profit organization that makes more than 30,000 home visits each year to residents of Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford. In addition to offering services such as home nursing, high-tech care, and rehabilitative services, the agency houses Bennington’s only full-service, Medicare-certified hospice program.