December 11, 2009

OSWEGO - Beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Oswego County Health Department will accept appointments for H1N1 vaccine from anyone who wants to receive the vaccine, regardless of whether they are in an H1N1 priority group.

Dr. Dennis Norfleet, Public Health Director of the Oswego County Health Department, said there is now enough vaccine to make it available to all those who want to reduce their risk of getting H1N1 flu. Previously, the vaccine was only available to those in high-risk groups who are at risk of health complications from the H1N1 virus.

Appointments are required and may be made by calling the health department beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 349-3572 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3572 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The department will accept calls until all appointments are filled. There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine.

Dr. Norfleet said people in the following high priority groups, who still have not received the H1N1 vaccine, should still make arrangements for the vaccine:

• Women who are pregnant;
• Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age;
• Children and young adults ages six months to 24 years of age;
• Health care workers and EMS providers;
• People ages 25 to 64 who have a chronic underlying medical condition.

For additional information, visit the CDC Web site at flu.gov.