VERO BEACH, FL — As they announced the first dates for public H1N1 vaccination clinics, Indian River County Health Department officials also on Tuesday confirmed the first swine flu-related death in the county.
A 36-year-old Indian River County man with underlying health conditions died with complications from H1N1, the novel influenza virus first identified in April and now widespread throughout Florida and the U.S. Most cases of H1N1 are mild, but some people — including those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes — are at greater risk for complications.
Four other Treasure Coast residents, all St. Lucie County men, have died with swine flu. An Okeechobee woman suffering from flu-like symptoms died Saturday at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute.
Meanwhile, Treasure Coast health departments began offering the H1N1 vaccine through public clinics this weekend. St. Lucie County Health Department distributed 2,500 doses Saturday, and Martin County Health Department vaccinated 486 people Monday with additional clinics planned through this and next week.
Indian River County Health Department’s first vaccination clinics will run 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at its Vero Beach office, 1900 27th St. Children age six months to 18 years will be the target group on these three clinic dates.
On Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indian River County Fairgrounds, the health department will offer the vaccine to those most at risk for complications from H1N1, including pregnant women, children and young adults, health care workers and people with underlying health conditions.
Because children age 6 months to 9 years need two doses, given within 21 to 28 days of each other, to develop immunity to H1N1, the health department has a second round of children’s vaccination clinics planned for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at the Vero Beach office.
