KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Parents concerned after first Eastern Iowan child dies from H1N1

Parents concerned after first Eastern Iowan child dies from H1N1

DUBUQUE (KWWL) -- A first child in Iowa has died from complications of H1N1. Officials say the child had factors that increased the risk of complications from H1N1.

This afternoon Jill Specht took her five year old son to Clayton County for an H1N1 shot. Max has rumetoid arthritis which puts him at high risk. Specht, who is expecting a baby in Febuary decided to get her son a shot after their doctor recommended it.

According to the CDC, all children, especially those five and younger or with a chronic medical condition, are at risk.

Specht says she wasn't sure about the importance of the shot, but is relieved her family is protected.

"I'm not the kind of person that wants to tell someone they should get the vaccination but for us it was the right decision. It was the right decision for us to get Max all the protection he can because of his low immune system," Specht said.

Of course, the H1N1 shot is limited and being given to those at high risk, but the Spechts say their oldest, eight year old samantha, is also on a vaccine waiting list.

All children over the age of six months, their caregivers, and those living with children less than six months should also recieve the seasonal flu shot.

If your child is ill officials say it's important they rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you have questions, check out the Department of Public Health's website or you can find a link to it at www.kwwl.com. You can also call the influenza hotline at 1-800-447-1985.