H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine available to all

Hernando County Health Department recently announced that priority group restrictions for H1N1 vaccination have been lifted, and all Hernando County residents and visitors are now eligible for vaccination.

The Health Department will continue to sponsor H1N1 vaccination clinics in January. The next scheduled free vaccination clinic will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, in the cafeteria at Nature Coast Technical High School, 4057 California St. Participants can park and enter at the back entrance of the school.

Approximately 750 vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointment tickets for vaccinations will be distributed beginning at 11:30 a.m. the day of the clinic. Appointment tickets have designated time slots so residents who have appointment times later in the day can leave and return at their appointment time.

In addition to Health Department-sponsored vaccination clinics, many local health care providers including physicians, pharmacies and walk-in clinics have the H1N1 vaccine. Vaccine administration at one of these facilities will cost from $10 to $22. H1N1 vaccination is not available at Hernando County Health Department offices.

For more information on the H1N1 virus or vaccination, call the Hernando County Health Department at 352-540-6855. Also, visit MyFluSafety.com or call the Florida Flu Information line at 877-352-3581.