The El Dorado County Health Services Department, Public Health Division is holding upcoming community H1N1 (swine) flu vaccination clinics for the general public. There is no cost to receive the vaccine. The vaccine will be administered subject to availability. The upcoming H1N1 vaccination clinic dates and locations include:

* December 28, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pollock Pines Community Church, 6361 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, in the Fellowship Hall.

* January 5, 2010 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Divide Wellness Center, 6065 Highway 193, Georgetown.

* January 10, 2010 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills, in the gymnasium.

* January 14, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Bible Church, 6851 Mount Aukum Road, Somerset.

Additional community H1N1 flu shot clinics will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available. Dates and locations of those vaccination clinics will be posted to the County’s website and through local media as soon as that information is available.

“Although the vaccination clinics are open to everyone, we encourage those who are at high risk, and who have not yet been vaccinated, to come,” said El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye. “People who have a family doctor should check with their doctor about getting the H1N1 vaccine in the doctor’s office if they can. Availability of the vaccine has increased over the past few weeks, so more doctor’s offices should have it now.”

The H1N1 flu vaccine is made using the same manufacturing methods as those used to make the seasonal flu vaccine. There are some individuals, such as those people who are severely allergic to eggs and infants under the age of six months, who should not receive the H1N1 vaccine. Individuals who are not sure if they should receive the vaccine should consult with their health care provider. Detailed information about the H1N1 vaccine can be found at www.flu.gov.

Primary symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu include fever of 100 degrees or higher, with cough. People with flu symptoms should stay home from work or school until their fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. Individuals with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or dehydration from vomiting and/or diarrhea, should seek medical advice. Pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions (such as a respiratory condition, immune disorder, or diabetes) should seek early medical care if they get the flu.

Updated local information on H1N1 (swine) flu can be found at www.edcgov.us/publichealth.