H1N1 vaccine available for more groups

Hernando County Health Department has expanded its target group for H1N1 vaccination and will host a third, free vaccination clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in the cafeteria of Nature Coast Technical High School, 4057 California St., Brooksville. Six hundred free vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointment times for vaccinations will be distributed beginning at 11:30 a.m. the day of the clinic. Appointment tickets are numbered and include time slots so residents who have appointment times later in the day can leave and return at their appointment time. One person can pick up tickets for family members. Participants can park and enter at the back entrance of the school.

In addition to health department-sponsored clinics, the H1N1 vaccine is now available at many local walk-in clinics, pharmacies, local physician's offices and other health care venues. So far, vaccination efforts have been focused on those at highest risk for getting sick from H1N1 and developing complications from it. This includes pregnant women; individuals age 6 months through 24 years; those persons 25 through 64 who have compromised immune systems or other chronic medical conditions; health care workers who have direct patient contact; and those who care for infants 6 months of age and younger. Local providers are encouraged to vaccinate those who fall within the identified priority groups until formal announcement is issued by the Florida Department of Health.

For more information on H1N1 flu, call the Florida Flu Information Line at 1-877-352-3581 or visit online at www.myflusafety.com. For local information, call the Hernando County Health Department at 352-540-6817.