A vaccine developed to combat hemophilus influenza B, a bacteria that can cause meningitis, ear infections, sinusitis and other infections, is now effective for small children.
The new HIB vaccine can be given to children as young as 2 months. It is administered in three doses, two months apart. Many cases of HIB meningitis occur in children under the age of 15 months.The Salt Lake City-County Health Department recommends that all children over the age of 2 months receive this vaccine. It can be administered by a doctor or the Health Department.
The Health Department offers the immunization for $3 at five walk-in clinics. Health officials suggest that parents review their children's other immunizations as well.
The department operates no-appointment immunization clinics at the following locations:
- Salt Lake City Center: 610 S. 200 East. Immunizations available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 534-4568.
- Kearns Southwest Medical Center: 5255 S. 4015 West, #100. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 967-4427.
- Salt Lake County Government Center: 2001 S. State, Room S2400. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 468-2800.
- Copperview Multipurpose Center: 8446 S. Harrison (290 West). Monday through Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. 255-7114.
- South Main Center: 3195 S. Main St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 483-5461.
For information, call Peggy Eklund at 534-4632.