H1N1 flu vaccination clinics to be offered at 33 locations across Pennsylvania

Appointments may be made at H1N1inPA.com or by phone

The Department of Health will offer H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at 33 locations across Pennsylvania on Jan. 8 and 9, and anyone wishing to receive the vaccine is urged to make an appointment to attend.

"We are now able to provide H1N1 vaccine to any Pennsylvanian who wants it," said Health Secretary Everette James. "Even though flu activity is currently declining in the state, there is the potential for a third wave of illness from H1N1. The upcoming clinics will give a greater number of residents the ability to protect against getting and spreading H1N1."

The clinics will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Individuals must schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. Appointments can be made 24 hours a day at www.H1N1inPA.com under "What's Hot." Appointments also may be made by calling 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258), Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As it has since the vaccine first debuted, the department continues to urge members of priority groups to be vaccinated against H1N1. They include pregnant women; persons six months to 24 years old; healthcare providers and emergency medical services personnel; parents, household members and caregivers of children under six months; and those under 65 years with certain underlying medical conditions.

To date, Pennsylvania has been allocated 3,745,600 doses of H1N1 vaccine. The department has provided vaccine to 2,096 private providers, local health departments, and state health centers. The department will continue to provide vaccine to certified providers who have ordered it though the Statewide Immunization Information System.