HARRISBURG -
Just days after an Adams County 5-year-old dies of complications from the H1N1 flu, local health workers are answering a call to action to fight the deadly disease.
Littlestown Kindergarten student Kyree Gamble died Saturday after a battle with the H1N1 flu virus.
"This is an unfortunate reminder," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Everette James said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon at Harrisburg Hospital.
James and other health officials said people between 6 months and 24 years old are most vulnerable to the virus. That's why vaccinations are so important.
"We're going to continue to urge parents to vaccinate children against influenza," James said.
Children are not the only ones who should get the shots. Workers at Pinnacle Health's Harrisburg Hospital lined up for their jabs.
"The first areas we went to... were the women's and children's areas to protect the at-risk babies," Pinnacle Health chief nursing officer Sheri Matter said.
Pinnacle health received 1,000 doses of the vaccine that will be given out this week. They have already had a few workers with the flu.
"Ninety-nine percent of people with the flu have H1N1 right now," Dr. John Goldman said. "In fact, the diagnosis is made clinically, not laboratory confirmed in most cases."
The 1,000 doses will not cover all of Pinnacle Health's staff. They hope to get more soon, but production has not kept up with demand.
You can make a donation to help with Kyree Gamble's funeral expenses. Mark envelopes for "Marci," Kyree's mother, and send them to the South Central Community Action Program, 153 N. Stratton St, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Littlestown Kindergarten student Kyree Gamble died Saturday after a battle with the H1N1 flu virus.
"This is an unfortunate reminder," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Everette James said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon at Harrisburg Hospital.
James and other health officials said people between 6 months and 24 years old are most vulnerable to the virus. That's why vaccinations are so important.
"We're going to continue to urge parents to vaccinate children against influenza," James said.
Children are not the only ones who should get the shots. Workers at Pinnacle Health's Harrisburg Hospital lined up for their jabs.
"The first areas we went to... were the women's and children's areas to protect the at-risk babies," Pinnacle Health chief nursing officer Sheri Matter said.
Pinnacle health received 1,000 doses of the vaccine that will be given out this week. They have already had a few workers with the flu.
"Ninety-nine percent of people with the flu have H1N1 right now," Dr. John Goldman said. "In fact, the diagnosis is made clinically, not laboratory confirmed in most cases."
The 1,000 doses will not cover all of Pinnacle Health's staff. They hope to get more soon, but production has not kept up with demand.
You can make a donation to help with Kyree Gamble's funeral expenses. Mark envelopes for "Marci," Kyree's mother, and send them to the South Central Community Action Program, 153 N. Stratton St, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
