Appointments still available for H1N1 vaccine

ROCKFORD — Appointments for people in priority groups are still available at three Winnebago County Health Department H1N1 flu shot clinics by calling the department’s new 24-hour-a-day telephone line at 800-649-2381.

The dates and times of the clinics are 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Salvation Army building, 220 S. Madison St.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Health Department office, 401 Division St.; and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 15, at Heartland Community Church, South Alpine and Newburg roads in the Colonial Village shopping center.

The priority groups for the vaccinations are pregnant women; parents and caregivers of children ages 6 months and younger; anyone age 6 months through 24 years; anyone age 25-64 who has a health condition associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease; and health care and emergency medical services personnel.

All forms of the vaccine, including a limited supply of the nasal spray, will be made available at the clinics, and appointments may be made for children age 9 or younger who received their first dose before Nov. 10 to receive a second dose.

All Health Department-administered H1N1 vaccinations are free of charge.

For more information on H1N1, including additional future clinic dates, visit wchd.org or call 815-720-4000.