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Joint rabies and human vaccination clinic in NT

by jmaloni
Thu, Dec 1st 2011 07:00 am

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Niagara County Department of Health, in cooperation with City of North Tonawanda officials, will operate a combined animal and human vaccination clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 758 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda.

This concept of simultaneous animal and human vaccination at a POD is a unique idea developed by the Niagara County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program to test animal and human disease emergency response plans while providing free vaccinations to people and families in the community.

At this POD, veterinarians will vaccinate cats, dogs and ferrets with free rabies vaccine. Nurses and doctors will administer free flu vaccine to humans 6 months and older and free TDAP (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) vaccine to underinsured or uninsured adults with certain health risks. The Department of Health will offer pneumococcal vaccine to adults 19 years of age and older who smoke and are covered by the following health insurance coverage: Community Blue, Community Care, Encompass 65, Independent Health, Medicare Part B, Senior Blue, Senior Choice and Univera.

While pet owners receive their shots, specially trained volunteer animal handlers will manage their pets. People who do not own pets are also welcome to receive shots at the clinic if they meet the vaccination qualifications. POD staff will direct non-pet owners through the human vaccination fast-lane.

Volunteers from the Niagara County Medical Reserve Corps, Community Emergency Response Teams, the North Tonawanda Auxiliary Police, Niagara County Animal Response Team, Wild Kritters of Niagara County and Diamonds in the Ruff will assist the Health Department.

The Niagara County Department of Health does not offer dog parvovirus vaccine at rabies clinics. For the protection of other animal clients, dogs should be up-to-date with parvovirus shots and veterinarian appointments prior to attending this POD.

For questions about the rabies clinic, contact the Environmental Health Program at 716-439-7444 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For general questions regarding human vaccination at POD, call 439-7439. For general immunization questions, or to make an appointment at a Niagara County human immunization clinic at another location, call 716-278-1903.

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