Everyone in San Juan County wanting to receive the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is now eligible to do so, the Department of Health announced on Friday. There are no longer any age group or risk category restrictions. There will be swine flu vaccination clinics around the county between now and Dec. 18.

“We believe that less than half the community has had either the vaccine or swine flu. The ongoing spread of the disease is likely, though at lower levels than we have seen over the past two months,“ County Health Officer, Dr Frank James said. “The vaccinations have proven to be even safer than the routine, seasonal influenza vaccine. People should take advantage of these opportunities to be vaccinated before the holiday season.”

The Health Department will sponsor the following H1N1 vaccination clinics:

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mullis Senior Center in Friday Harbor.

Friday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Orcas Island Senior Center in Eastsound

Friday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, Lopez Island Senior Center.

Any San Juan County resident who wishes to receive the H1N1 vaccine, regardless of their health status or age, is welcome to come to a health department clinic. The vaccine is free of charge.

Those on Medicare or Medicaid should bring their cards to any clinic.

Other county healthcare providers give both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations as part of clinic visits. Call your healthcare provider for more information.

Everyone should continue to practice basic prevention measures to avoid catching and spreading flu, including washing hands, coughing and sneezing into sleeves, staying home when sick and, most importantly, getting vaccinated.

The Health Department nurses are available to answer questions at 378-4474. Additional information is posted at the San Juan County website, http://sanjuanco.com/flu/h1n1.aspx