There will be an H1N1 flu vaccination community clinic held Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Flandreau Community Center at 802 W. Community Dr. in Flandreau.

H1N1 vaccine will be available to patients that fall into Tier One and Two as recommended by the CDC:

*Pregnant females

*Contacts of infants under 6 months of age

*Children 6 months through 18 years of age

*Young adults 19 through 24 years of age

*Adults from 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions

*Healthcare workers and emergency medical services workers

Vaccinations will be provided free of charge. If you have questions about what may be classified as a high risk condition please call the public health office at 997-3779.





As H1N1 vaccine clinics continue across South Dakota, state health officials are stressing the importance of the vaccine for children and adults with chronic health conditions.

"Influenza viruses, including H1N1, can cause very serious complications for those with asthma, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions," said Doneen Hollingsworth, Sec. of Health. "We strongly encourage these individuals to ask their doctor for the vaccine or to come to one of the public clinics."

Hollingsworth said case data shows children and adults from age 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions are at high risk for complications from the H1N1 virus. Nearly 70% of cases and 50% of flu-related hospitalizations in South Dakota are among those 19 or younger, many of them with chronic conditions. Sixty percent of South Dakota's 17 deaths have been between the ages of 20 and 60, the majority with chronic health conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conditions that increase the risk of flu complications include:

*Asthma;

*Neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders (cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, intellectual disability, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury)

*Chronic lung disease (cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);

*Heart disease such as congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure;

*Blood disorders (sickle cell disease);

*Diabetes and other endocrine disorders;

*Kidney disorders;

*Metabolic disorders;

*Weakened immune system due to disease or medication;

*Children receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

In addition to those with chronic health conditions, others at high risk who should be vaccinated include pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months, people from age 6 through 24 years, and health care and emergency medical services workers. These individuals are encouraged to contact their provider about vaccination or check http://h1n1.sd.gov for a regularly updated listing of scheduled clinics.

H1N1 vaccination is voluntary and is free at public clinics but some providers may charge an administration fee.

In addition to H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination, people can help prevent flu by frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.