The Township of Lyons is sponsoring a FREE H1N1 shot clinic on Saturday, February 13 from 9am-1pm at the LTHS Corral, 4940 S. Willow Springs Rd., LaGrange. Community Nurse will administer the vaccines to those 18 years and older.

Those interested must be a Lyons Township resident which includes: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, LaGrange, Lyons, McCook, Riverside, Summit, Western Springs, Willow Springs. ID for proof of residency is required.

Information provided by Aging Care Connections

For years seniors have been known to be the first to have their flu vaccines once flu season starts. With the pandemic of H1N1 it would seem typical for seniors to be one of the first group of people that would more likely be of high risk, however that is not the case.  It seems that for seniors they seem to have a bit of immunity and have been largely spared. Researchers believe that the main reason this is the case is that for years seniors have already been exposed to similar viruses in their lifetimes. It is a rare bit of good news that seniors are embracing.

Communities across Florida that have a large senior community have been happy that this pandemic hasn’t spread in their community.  Over 80 percent of the senior populations have said that they will not seek the H1N1 shot and understand the government’s order for putting other people more of a priority.  Doctors across country are also noticing that seniors aren’t as concerned with the H1N1 virus and are happy that they aren’t that concerned because in actuality they don’t need it. 

Federal guidelines call for pregnant women to be given the shot first, those who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, health care workers, those 6 months up to 24 years old and people with chronic health problems.  Only after those shots are distributed will they become available to seniors under 64 years of age and younger.