The Orcas Island medical community would like all islanders to know that seasonal influenza vaccine – which includes the H1N1 vaccine – is now available for the 2011-2012 flu season. The medical centers advise all people over the age of six months to consider flu vaccination, especially those at the highest risk, including:

• Children ages 6 months through 18 years old;

• Household contacts and care givers of children under five years, and especially of children under six months;

• All persons six months and older with chronic medical conditions and/or suppressed immune systems

• Women who will be pregnant during flu season;

•Adults 50 years and older;

• Care givers for residents of nursing homes and related facilities;

• Household contacts of people with medical conditions that place them at higher risk for complications from influenza.

State-supplied vaccine is available for children under 19 years. Children under  nine years receiving flu vaccine for the first time require a second dose at least four weeks later to be fully protected. All others require only one dose. Flu shots can be given any time throughout the flu season.

Flu shots are available by appointment at all clinics. Special vaccine clinics will be held as follows:

Orcas Medical Center: Adult flu vaccinations: Oct. 3, 22 and 27, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; call 376-2561 for an appointment. Child flu vaccinations by appointment.

Orcas Family Health Center: Flu shots offered all day on Oct. 6, 12, 13, 19,  and 20; call for an appointment. Possible additional clinic on Oct. 15 at Suzie’s Barber Shop. Call 376-7778.

Orcas Island Family Medicine: Flu shots offered Oct. 6 and 11, 9 a.m. to noon and Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 376-4949 for an appointment.