Thousands took advantage of H1N1 clinic

PENDLETON, N.Y. (WIVB) - Nearly 2,000 people were vaccinated on Saturday, thanks to a district-wide clinic at Starpoint Central Schools.

It's the biggest health clinic ever in Niagara County.

Diane Reed said, "It is a little scary, it is as a parent."

That's why Diane took the recommendation of her doctor and got her seven year old, Emily vaccinated.

"In the beginning, I wasn't really sure but I just wanted her to be safe and I hope and keep my fingers crossed that there's no negative consequences," she exclaimed.

Starpoint High School was the site for a district wide H1N1 vaccination clinic given by the Niagara County Health Department.

Niagara County Health Director, Daniel Stapleton said, "We knew that this is one of the ways we reach the most people."

Over 1,000 people pre-registered for this high-risk only clinic, mostly school aged children were there.

Jenine Szymanski thought, "Very easy, very quick. It was well organized."

Stapleton said it's the fastest and most efficient way to get the vaccinate out to the people who need it most, and for those who may not have insurance or a primary care physician to get the vaccine from.

Dozens of area doctors and nurses were on hand to help out.

"This is the perfect example between schools and public health. We consider the schools a part of the public health system," Stapleton explained.

The district has seen it's fair share of sick children since the beginning of the school year.

Dr. Doug Whelan, Starpoint School Superintendent stated, "We had about a 17% rate absentee rate. Our normal absentee rate is 2%, which would be about 40 to 60 students. We had almost 475 students out in the middle of October."

The Niagara County Health Department has plans to hold five other school district clinics.

The next is Newfane in early December.