Rural H1N1 clinics adapt to challenges to get vaccines out
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Updated: 7:34 PM Dec 19, 2009
Rural H1N1 clinics adapt to challenges to get vaccines out
While some of the cases of H1N1 have tapered off, health officials fear another wave could come soon. Health workers in Buffalo County face unique challenges with location, staff and language barriers.
Posted: 5:46 PM Dec 19, 2009
Reporter: Kelly Schlicht
Email Address: kelly.schlicht@weau.com
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Mary Sue Crandell may not be a nurse, but she became a trained volunteer to help vaccinate others in Alma from H1N1, because she knows how bad the flu can hit.

"I was out of work for ten days with a high fever and almost hospitalized,” she says.

Now she and officers from the Buffalo County Health Department feel another wave could come any time.

“Now is the time to be protected. Pandemics come in two to three waves,” says Jen Rombalski.

At this clinic in Alma, they're trying to get everyone access to the vaccine: Which means making everything bi-lingual.

"We have a growing number of Hispanics in the area so we have bilingual signage and we will be having an interpreter on site 4 to 6 pm on Sunday," says Rombalski.

To offer greater accessibility, Rombalski says the clinic provides busses to and from other locations, like Mondovi.

“We can handle a large number of people,” she says, adding that most patients are out within 20 minutes to half an hour of arriving.

Those who have had H1N1 say to take the advice from someone who's been there.

"Take advantage of this, it's free,” says Crandell. “You don't want to get this terrible disease."

Buffalo County says most of its clinic relies on trained volunteers for staffing, because their health department staff has very few people.

The clinic will continue from 9am to 6pm tomorrow at the Alma Area Schools on State Road 35.