H1N1 vaccinations are being offered this week to people in the priority groups who still need the vaccine.

"We are encouraging people who are at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 influenza to get the H1N1 vaccine," said Dr. Michele Bever, Executive Director at South Heartland District Health Department. "Even people who were ill with influenza-like symptoms earlier this year can, and are encouraged to, get the vaccine."

The priority groups include people who live with or care for children under six months of age, anyone from six months through 24 years old, pregnant women, anyone from 25 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system, and health care and emergency medical personnel.

Although H1N1 illness appears to be decreasing in our area and nationwide, Dr. Bever says that people are still falling ill, being hospitalized and dying from H1N1. "The vaccine is the most effective method of preventing H1N1 flu. Our goal is to help assure that everyone who wants to protect themselves against H1N1 flu has access to the vaccine, with a focus first on those at higher risk," she said. "With every new vaccine shipment we receive, we are a little bit closer to realizing that goal."

For people in priority groups only, H1N1 vaccine clinics will be held in each of the following counties:

Adams County - Adams County Fairgrounds, December 17, 4pm to 9pm

Nuckolls County - Brodstone Memorial Hospital, December 17, 4pm -7pm

Clay County - Clay County Fairgrounds, December 19, 3pm - 7pm

Webster County - Webster County Community Hospital, December 19, 9am - noon

There is no cost to receive the vaccine at these clinics. The vaccine will be available in both shot and nasal spray form. Children 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For children 9 and under needing their second doses of vaccine, parents will need to bring the date that their child received the first dose of H1N1 vaccine.

For more information, contact South Heartland District Health Department at (402) 462-6211 or toll free 1-877-238-7595.