MONTROSE – Last week 130 children and 18 teachers received H1N1 vaccines at the first school immunization clinic at Oak Grove Elementary School.

Another school clinic will be held this week at Northside Elementary, for Northside students and teachers.

The Montrose Health Department received a significantly larger amount of H1N1 vaccine this week than previously, and anticipates increasing the number of school vaccine clinics held each week.

The health department has received many calls about which groups can receive the H1N1 vaccine now, and which groups are due to be vaccinated later.

Individuals who fall into the following categories are eligible to receive their H1N1 vaccine at this time: pregnant women; household contacts and caretakers of children under 6 months of age; all children between 6 months and 24 years of age; all health care providers and adults 25 years to 64 years of age with underlying risk conditions. These risk conditions include: cancer, heart and respiratory problems, HIV+, asthma, diabetes, chronic liver disease, compromised immune systems and neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis and others.

As the vaccine supply increases, and individuals in the above groups are vaccinated, we will expand to include all residents of Montrose County who want to receive the vaccine. We would like to let citizens know that we have been very impressed with the understanding we’ve seen from people who are anxiously awaiting their H1N1 vaccination, and we continue to urge individuals to do what they can to stop the spread of this disease while they continue to wait. This includes staying home when sick; coughing into a sleeve or a tissue and a frequent washing of hands.

As of Oct. 31, a total of 1,553 flu hospitalizations from 48 counties in Colorado have been reported, with 34 reported deaths, most in the 25- to 49-year-old range. State laboratory surveillance continues to show that more than 99 percent of influenza viruses currently circulating in Colorado are the 2009 H1N1 virus.

Individuals with questions about H1N1 are encouraged to call CO HELP at 1-877-462-2911. The hotline has been established to respond to questions about H1N1 and seasonal influenza. A “Home Care Guide” on caring for sick family members at home also is available for free. For a hard copy, call Nancy Enyart at 303-692-2639 or download it at www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/Public/H1N1/HomeHealthcare/CDPHE_HomeCareGuide.pdf.