Two Upper Susitna Valley H1N1 Vaccine Clinics

MAT-SU ? The Sunshine Community Health Center, in conjunction with the MAT-SU Public

Health Center, is planning two H1N1 vaccine dispensing clinics in the Upper Susitna Valley. The first vaccine clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1 at the Willow Community Center (mile 70 of the Parks Highway) from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, first come, first served, while vaccine lasts.

Currently, statewide supplies of the H1N1 vaccine indicate that only five priority groups will be vaccinated at this first clinic, including:

• Pregnant women;
• Anyone who lives with or cares for children younger than 6 months old;
• Healthcare and emergency service workers;
• Everyone age 6 months to 24 years old; and
• Adults age 25 to 64 who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

A larger H1N1 vaccine clinic is scheduled for Thursday, December 10 at the Montana Creek Baptist Church (mile 98.5 of the Parks Highway) from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, first come, first served, while vaccine lasts. State restrictions on vaccine availability may be lifted by the date of this clinic so that everyone can receive the vaccine regardless of age or health. If restrictions remain in place, then priority groups will be identified and announced prior to December 10.

More information on the H1N1 vaccine can be found at www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov. Individuals with specific health care concerns or questions should contact their primary health care providers in advance of the clinic. Residents interested in the vaccine are also advised that extreme winter weather conditions could impact the transportation of the vaccine, so stay tuned to local media outlets for news of any last minute event cancellations.