More being vaccinated for swine flu

Nearly 500 people have been inoculated against swine flu in Carson City this week, as the Centers for Disease Control lifted guidelines restricting who could receive the vaccine.

At first, health officials weren't sure if anyone would be interested.

"We've dispensed over 20,000 vaccinations since last October," said Pam Graber, spokeswoman for Carson City Health and Human Services. "A lot of people fall into multiple priority groups. We were just wondering, who's left?"

However, the department's first H1N1 clinic on Monday was a success, with 300 people showing up for a vaccine. On Tuesday, the health department hosted a special clinic at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, where 109 opted for the vaccination.

State workers and their families were able to get a free shot Wednesday at the Legislature.

Graber said the clinic was slated to begin at 9 a.m., but by that time 15 people had already been vaccinated.

Kathy Fosnaugh and her mother, Jo Jones, were among those to receive the vaccine Wednesday.

Fosnaugh said she spends a lot of time with her grandchildren and nieces and nephews and felt an obligation to keep them well.

"If I got it and got them sick, I'd feel terrible," she said. "I do a lot of things because of the kids in my life."

Jones said it was a natural decision.

"Why not?" she asked. "I always get the regular flu shot. I might as well get this one, too, and stay as protected as possible."

The health department will offer free vaccines to the public Mondays and Thursdays at the Health and Human Services building, 900 E. Long St.

There also will be a community clinic 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 9 at the Carson Mall.

Graber said CDC officials have reported polls indicating many Americans still want to be vaccinated.

"We are using that premise as we move forward with our community-wide H1N1 vaccination clinic," she said.