COOPERSTOWN _ Bassett Healthcare will hold a free H1N1-flu clinic for established pediatric patients Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The clinic, which is appointment-only, will be in the pediatrics wing on the third floor of Bassett’s clinic building in Cooperstown. Both the injected and nasal-spray forms of the vaccine will be available.
Pre-scheduled appointments are required and can be made by calling (800) 227-7388. Cooperstown pediatric patients may call 547-3290.
According to a media release, children 6 months through 18 years of age who have certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system should get the flu shot injected into the muscle.
Both the nasal-spray and shot forms of the vaccine can be given to healthy children ages 2 to 18.
For children through 9 years of age, this will be the initial vaccination, according to the release. It is recommended these children receive a second dose of the vaccine about a month later. Older children need only one dose.
Regardless of the need for a booster later and the question of vaccine availability, it is recommended that all children get at least the initial immunization now for the protection it provides against the H1N1 virus, according to the release.
