Free H1N1 vaccine at special SnoCo clinics

The Snohomish Health District will offer no-cost H1N1 vaccinations at some clinics in Snohomish County community centers in February and March. No appointments are necessary.

Anyone older than 6 months is encouraged to take advantage of free vaccination at these sites:

• Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th Street NW, Stanwood 9-11:30 a.m., Mon, Feb. 22.

• Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington, noon – 2 p.m. Fri, Feb. 26.

• Helping Hands for Hard Times Fair, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wed, Feb. 10, at Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

• Helping Hands for Hard Times Fair Thurs, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Tulalip Conference Center, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.

“We are fortunate to have plenty of vaccine now to offer to everyone who wants it,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District.

“Although we hope there will be no large ‘third wave’ of H1N1 illness in our community, we all need to prepare now as if it could re-emerge in the spring,” said Goldbaum.

People 65 and older are less likely to get H1N1 flu, but those who do are more likely to have complications or get secondary infections, like pneumonia. Since H1N1 vaccine is readily available, seniors are encouraged to get it. Parents are reminded that children younger than 10 need two doses of vaccine to be fully protected. Children over 10 need only one dose. There are still many children who have not been vaccinated against H1N1 at all.

Find more information about local public health and H1N1 at www.snohd. org and www.snocoflu. com.