SWINE FLU IN ALABAMA

Latest news on the outbreak of swine flu in Alabama

BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- Parental consent forms for H1N1 flu vaccines are being sent to parents of Baldwin County elementary students starting today, a school spokesman said.  Full story »

Ernest Berger, president of Santa America, went to an Alabama congressman last week to argue for the big guys in the red suits to be seen as priority cases for swine flu vaccines, along with health care workers and those who work with infants. A spokesperson for the congressman, Mobile Republican Jo Bonner, said staff members were considering the action.  Full story »

The FDA approved the 2009 swine flu nasal mist for those age 2 to 49 with no underlying health conditions. Children with compromised immune systems or those with long-term health problems are advised to see a pediatrician, another health care provider or go to a county health department to get an injectable influenza vaccine, health officials said.  Full story »

MOBILE, Ala. -- The Mobile County Health Department will offer free swine flu vaccinations to protect against H1N1 influenza to people in high priority groups Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 545 N. Cody Road in west Mobile.  Full story »

MOBILE, Ala. -- The Mobile County Health Department will offer swine flu vaccinations to protect against the H1N1 strain for those in high-priority groups Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the departments downtown offices, 251 N. Bayou St.  There is no charge, and appointments are not needed, a spokesman said. Short-sleeved clothing is recommended. High priority... Full story »

Groups targeted to get the vaccines are pregnant women; medical professionals; children from 6 months to 24 months old; family members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months; and people ages 25 to 64 with medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV and arthritis Full story »

The Mobile County Health Department will offer swine flu vaccine for people in high priority groups at the Saraland Civic Center, 716 Mae St., today from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. or until the supply runs out. Approximately 3,000 doses of the vaccine will be available. Full story »

Groups targeted to get the vaccines are pregnant women; medical professionals; children from 6 months to 24 months old; family members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months; and people ages 25 to 64 with medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV and arthritis.  Full story »

The state is in its 10th consecutive week of a widespread swine flu outbreak. Alabama should get about 180,000 additional doses of vaccine this week and 122,000 next week to protect against the new virus, state health officer said. Full story »

Students younger than 10 will be the first to receive swine flu vaccine injections at school-based clinics beginning Nov. 30, state health officials said. Full story »

Medicine allows state to expand eligibility for who can get vaccinated Full story »

HUNTSVILLE, AL -- If you think you've got the flu, you might want to distance yourself from your pets until you feel better. Full story »

MOBILE, Ala. -- Free shots to protect against swine flu, also known as the H1N1, begins at 9 a.m. Friday during a clinic at 750 Congress St. in downtown Mobile. Full story »

"Her focus was on (children), always had been, and providing an environment where her teachers could not only teach but do well," said Joyce Overstreet, Leah Ann Overstreet's sister-in-law. "Leah Ann was the life of the party. She walked in the room and said, 'Hey y'all,' and it immediately brightened up." Full story »