Flu vaccinations continue

As the rain fell and the wind blew outside Wednesday, 3-year-old Isis Whitewater swung her legs while seated in a plastic chair at the Pottawatomie County Health Department.

Her mother, Autumn, told her why they were visiting prior to their arrival, “to get a shot … in my nose,” Isis said, giggling and touching her nose.
The Whitewaters were among more than 125 clients who visited the health department that day to receive a free seasonal flu vaccination. Autumn Whitewater had received her vaccination earlier.
As Isis visited with another little girl who was also smiling and initially seemed unconcerned about receiving the vaccination, another child was crying and said repeatedly, “I don’t want to get my shot anymore. I just want to go home.”
After a wait of about five minutes, it was Isis’ turn to receive her vaccination. The registered nurse, Sandra Moore, asked Isis’ mother if the 3 year old had any known allergies, such as to chicken eggs as they are used to make the vaccines, and if Isis had experienced any adverse reactions to previous immunizations.
As Moore prepared the nasal vaccination, she instructed Whitewater to hold Isis securely and told Isis to “sniff in” the vaccine. After the first spray was administered, Isis changed her mind about getting the vaccination and struggled a bit as the second portion was sprayed into her other nostril.
With a little comforting from her mother, Isis quickly relaxed and was smiling again as she waved goodbye and exited the room.
Autumn Whitewater said, before leaving the health department, that she would return Monday to have Isis vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, as well.
“I don’t want her to get sick,” Whitewater said. “Whatever she needs, I’ll get it for her.”