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The H1N1 vaccine has generally not been easy for the general public to receive in Springfield: If you’re not considered high-risk, you probably have had to wait for it. But now, MSU is teaming up with the Springfield/Greene County Health Department for the first H1N1 vaccine distribution to be open to the general public this Wednesday. And folks who take advantage of this opportunity will also get to see a ball game. KSMU’s Katie Easley has this report.
Members of MSU’s Taylor Health and Wellness Center and the Springfield/Greene County Health Department will be administering the H1N1 flu vaccine at the Hammons Student Center on the Missouri State campus to the first 1,500 people interested in getting the shot on December 16, 2009. Everyone who gets the shot will also receive a free ticket for Wednesday night’s Lady Bear’s basketball game against Murray State.
Burnie Snodgrass is the Director of Taylor Health and Wellness.
“This is the first public offering for the H1N1 to the local community that didn’t get it through their doctor’s office because they were high risk or a protective group,” says Snodgrass.
Snodgrass says they want to draw as much of a crowd as possible for this first public H1N1 vaccine distribution.
“It think this is very important because we are heading into the holiday season when the flu can be passed around and it’s important for people to get this before the holiday season the more people we can get to get the vaccine the more likely we be able to eradicate this H1N1 from our community," says Snodgrass.
The game’s not until 7:05 on December 16th, but the H1N1 vaccine will be available from 3:30-6:30, or as long as supplies last. Anyone over the age of four is eligible. Snodgrass says you don’t have to attend the game if you get a vaccine.
For KSMU News, I’m Katie Easley