H1N1 clinic in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Flu season is in full swing in West Michigan and the number of people sick continues to grow.

The number of flu-like cases in a nine county region of southwest Michigan is nearly double what it was the year before. Experts say the high number of cases is due to H1N1. There have been 1,100 cases since the beginning of 2009.

Now, the first H1N1 vaccination clinic is operating in Kalamazoo.

The clinic is by invitation only, and first up was health care workers from around Kalamazoo County.

"I have very close contact with patients," said Lou Anderson.

Anderson is one of hundreds of health care workers who showed up at the clinic on Thursday to get vaccinated.

"I work in pulmonary, we see a lot of people coming in sick," said Lisa Semelbauer.

Most of those at the clinic Thursday were given the flu mist, the shots are being saved for those who can't get the mist because of other health concerns.

Among those at the clinic on Thursday were paramedics and public safety officers who are also first responders.

Health officials say the next people on the priority lists are kids, pregnant women, and people with lower immune systems who will get their chances for vaccines in Kalamazoo County in the first week of November. After that the clinic will be open to the general population.

"You should wait until you fit in a category," said Linda Vail-Buzas, Kalamazoo County Health Director, "make sure we have enough for the target population."