State and local officials will answer questions from residents about the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, during an information session scheduled for tonight in Andover.
The meeting, to be held at the Memorial Hall Library, 2 North Main St., starts at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Demand for information about the H1N1 virus, as well as the seasonal flu, has skyrocketed since it was announced earlier this month that while the swine flu itself has arrived, vaccines are not available for the general public. At this time, the few vaccines available are going to health care workers.
Meanwhile, demand for seasonal flu vaccine has skyrocketed, outstripping supplies in some cases.
Some area doctors' offices have run out of the seasonal flu vaccine, and last night, scores of people showed up for a seasonal flu clinic at the Andover Senior Center. Many were turned away after supplies ran out.
Presenters at tonight's session, which will cover both H1N1 and seasonal flu, include Elizabeth Land, a health educator with the Mass. Department of Public Health; Joanne Martel, assistant director of public health for Andover; and, Rita Casper, director of nursing at Andover Public Schools.
During the session people will be able to learn about both flus and what the Andover Board of Health and local school department are planning to deal with the onslaught of the H1N1 virus as well as the shortage of vaccines.
Another seasonal flu clinic that had been scheduled for the Andover Senior Center Friday has been canceled because the town has run out of vaccine, according to Health Director Tom Carbone.
Seasonal flu clinics are scheduled for other locations across the Merrimack Valley and shots can also be obtained at local drug stores for a $25 fee. But call ahead as some stores have stopped giving the vaccine or run out.
In Haverhill, a seasonal flu clinic is being held at the CVS, 241 Lincoln Ave., today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and tomorrow at the 259 Main St. store tomorrow from 3-7 p.m.
In North Andover, a seasonal flu clinic is scheduled for tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stop & Shop on Route 114.
Seasonal flu clinics are also scheduled for Friday in Methuen and Lawrence. Additional clinics are scheduled for November. No clinics are scheduled for the H1N1 virus.
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For more on this story, see tomorrow's editions of The Eagle-Tribune.
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