Pennsylvania Department of Health commences H1N1 vaccination to members of priority groups

The Department of Health today began providing free H1N1 flu shots to members of priority groups that did not have previous access to the vaccine.

A total of 18 clinics are being held statewide on Nov. 20-22. Friday's clinic hours are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hours on Saturday, Nov. 21, will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 22, the clinics will operate from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Individuals in the recommended target groups must schedule an appointment time, day and location prior to the clinic in order to receive the H1N1 vaccine.

As of the morning of Nov. 20, several locations still had appointments available.

Appointments can be made at www.H1N1inPA.com under "What's Hot," 24 hours a day. Individuals without Internet access can call 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Lines are limited.

Anyone seeking vaccination should download an H1N1 vaccine consent form from www.H1N1inPA.com. Consent forms must be completed for each individual that has made an appointment. Preparing this form in advance will help the clinics more quickly register and vaccinate people.

Only individuals in the following priority groups are asked to attend the clinics:

• Individuals between the ages of six months and 24 years;
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months;
• Pregnant women;
• Healthcare providers and emergency medical services personnel; and
• Individuals under 65 years of age with underlying health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.

Visit www.H1N1inPA.com to learn more about priority groups, potential vaccine side effects and other important information.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants to receive it.