Licking County Confirms Second H1N1-Related Death

NEWARK, Ohio—The Licking County Health Department confirmed Friday that the death of a 50-year-old Heath man is the second H1N1 related death in Licking County.

“For the second time in less than a week, I have the unfortunate duty of confirming the death of a Licking County resident related to the H1N1 virus.” said Joe Ebel, Licking County Health Commissioner.  “The health department would like to offer its sympathy to the family and all of those that have been affected by this tragedy.”

In an effort to protect residents against the H1N1 virus, the health department has administered 5,995 vaccinations as of today.  “We have been attempting to vaccinate those most vulnerable to the virus, and in order to do so we have been targeting the individuals contained in the tier groups that have been made a priority by the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.” Ebel continued. 

The health department has scheduled an H1N1 clinic in Pataskala on Monday, November 16 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Watkins Middle School.  Pataskala area residents attending the clinic should be aware that there will be limited parking at the clinic site before 2:30 PM due to the dismissal of students from school.  A clinic will also be held at Johnstown High School in Johnstown on Wednesday, November 18 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Those eligible to be vaccinated at these clinics include:

• All children ages 6 months to 24 years of age
• Caregivers to infants under 6 months of age
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• EMS personnel

Beginning Thursday, November 19, adults ages 25-64 with serious health conditions will be added to the list of people eligible for H1N1 vaccination.  Clinics for these individuals, as well as those served at previous clinics, will be held at the health department, located at 675 Price Road in Newark on November 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and also on Friday, November 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.