Hingham, Norwell offer flu shots for pregnant women
Health boards in Hingham and Norwell are offering flu vaccinations on a limited basis, restricting them to pregnant women because of the scarcity of vaccine for the H1N1 virus.
Public Health Nurse Kathy Crowley said Hingham’s board is accepting appointments for pregnant women to get a free vaccination. Interested parties should call 718-741-1466 and ask for Crowley, who will advise callers about the risks and benefits of having the vaccination.
Crowley will also ask for a note from the pregnant woman’s doctor or obstetrician that states the woman is cleared for an H1N1 shot, which will be given at the health board office in Hingham Town Hall.
"Once we go through the risks and the note, we can then set up an appointment," Crowley said.
In Norwell, Health Agent Brian Flynn said pregnant women can attend a clinic next Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Norwell Fire Headquarters at 300 Washington St.
“It will be first come, first served. We’ve only a handful of what we’ve ordered,” he said.
Flynn said Norwell has received about 100 of its requested 14,000 doses of the vaccine.
“It’s a drop in the bucket,” Flynn said.
Women going to the Norwell clinic must have proof of residency and a note from their doctor verifying the pregnancy.
Flynn said local boards are awaiting major shipments of the vaccine so they can begin clinics in the schools. However, the shipments have had much-publicized delays.
In the meantime, he said, health officials are doing what they can, with the medicine they have. With this year's strain of flu, pregnant women have been identified as a high-risk group.
“We’ll start there and hope the shipments begin streaming in soon,” Flynn said.
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