Beginning Nov. 4, the 14 county health departments in Southwest Health
District will begin administering injectable H1N1 vaccine to priority
groups most at risk of developing complications if infected with the
virus.

Thomas County Health Department received its allotment Tuesday.

The vaccine is free, but insurance carriers may be billed an
administration fee.

Priority groups identified by the National Centers for Disease Control
to receive the initial doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine include:
§ Pregnant women
§ Healthcare and emergency medical personnel
§ People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months
§ Anyone from 6 months to 24 years old
§ Anyone aged 25 to 64 with underlying medical conditions that put
them at risk for flu-related complications

"We are expecting to see more cases of the H1N1 occurring, so it's better to get vaccinated to prevent the infection from occurring and therefore spreading to other people," Thomas County Registered Nurse Tiann Taylor said.

Health officials say they still have a few doses of the nasal spray vaccine left at the Health Department. Folks are encouraged to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, however it's not necessary.