Chattanooga Pulse

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is seeking local organizations, agencies, or businesses to host free H1N1 vaccine clinics at their locations. Any venue that would have at least 50 persons interested in vaccination is encouraged to contact the Health Department to schedule an on-site H1N1 clinic. The vaccine is available to anyone who wishes to protect themselves against the H1N1 influenza virus and is free of charge.

Although there has been a decrease in the amount of influenza-like illness in our community, there is still a possibility that flu could cause a third wave of illness this spring. Hamilton County residents are still encouraged to get vaccinated against H1N1 in Health Department sponsored clinics.

“It’s important for everyone in our community to remember that flu viruses are still circulating and that they can cause serious illness,” says Sharon Goforth, Special Projects Coordinator for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. “We hope that by making the H1N1 vaccine more convenient, it will encourage more Hamilton County residents to get vaccinated.”

Vaccine is being given not only by the Health Department but by other providers, including physician offices and retail pharmacies. H1N1 flu is a preventable disease, and the single best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated.

The public is also reminded that H1N1 vaccines are available Monday through Friday at all Health Department locations during regular business hours with no appointment necessary. For more information about H1N1 vaccine, call the Health Department at 209-8393. Operating hours are from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday. For updates regarding H1N1 illness and vaccine distribution, residents can visit the Health Department’s website, http://health.hamiltontn.org.