Clinic administers swine flu vaccine

CANTON — When they packed up their two young children, left their home in Ottawa and drove over the border into the United States, Raman Grover and his wife, Pooja, were on a mission.

Their destination was the free clinic offered by St. Lawrence County's Public Health Department at the county's Human Services Building, Route 310.

The Canadian couple drove to Canton to have their 5-year-old daughter, Aashi, and 2-year-old son, Aayush, receive the nasal mist vaccination for H1N1, also known as swine flu.

The Grovers, originally from India, were among about 100 people who were already there waiting by 8 a.m. even though the clinic didn't start until 10 a.m.

By the end of the clinic, about 400 doses of vaccine had been administered to people who stood in long lines on the building's second floor. The clinic was supposed to run until 4 p.m., but closed early when the vaccine supply ran out about 2:30 p.m.

"We came here because you have the nasal mist vaccine that doesn't have the preservatives," Mr. Grover said. "We're worried about mercury in the preservatives because it's been linked to autism."

In Canada, only pregnant women are receiving vaccines that don't have added preservatives, he said. In the U.S., the nasal mist H1N1 that's being given to inoculate children does not contain thimerosal, the name of the mercury-containing preservative.

Mr. Grover took the day off from his job as a software designer to make the hour-long trip south with his family, marking their first time in Canton.

"We checked on Google and found this clinic," Mrs. Grover said. "We called ahead and they said 'yes,' we could bring our kids in. We didn't want to miss the opportunity. Being concerned parents, we really appreciate this."

Brandi L. Wells, the county's emergency preparedness coordinator, said she agreed to let the two Grover children be immunized and realizes not everyone agrees with her decision to serve Canadians at the free American clinic.

"If the Canadians were coming over by the hundreds we would have to set a policy," Ms. Wells said. "When they called me, I felt compassion. I didn't feel providing it for two children would be a problem. We're not out there encouraging Canadians to come."

She also noted that she received permission from her supervisor.

"A lot of people in Canada are afraid to have their children vaccinated," Mrs. Grover said, noting that the United States has much stricter regulations in place.

Thursday's H1N1 clinic, the third offered so far by county public health, drew a wide range of people, from babies in strollers to school-aged children and elderly folks.

Ms. Wells told those waiting in line that more flu clinics will be held.

"We'll open it up for everybody after we get through all the kids. The federal government bought all the vaccine and we have to follow their guidelines," she said.

On Thursday, the vaccine was available to those ages 2 to 24 as well as people ages 25 to 64 with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk for flu complications. It also was offered to people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old, health-care workers and emergency medical personnel.

Several people 64 and older who didn't have medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease or lung disease were turned away.

Many arrived early, but still found themselves waiting in long lines.

Carl A. Hewko, Ogdensburg, came with his two sons, Alexander M., 16, and Theodore W., 3, but didn't plan to get the vaccination himself.

"They're in that high-risk group. It seems the younger people are more susceptible to secondary problems," Mr. Hewko said. "The local physicians don't have the supplies so we came here."

Lawana Worthley, Rensselaer Falls, came with her three children, including her 12-year-old son, who has a disability and suffers from seizures.

Teresa K. Hitchman, Canton, came to have her son, Eugene D. Hitchman, 13, immunized. As a newborn he suffered a rare liver disorder and she hopes he can avoid coming down with the swine flu.

"I'm just worried about him," she said. "He can't afford any more damage to his liver."

Looking at the long line of people, Mrs. Hitchman said, "I just called work and said I'd be there when I get there, if I get there at all. His shot is more important."