Pa. plans to conduct statewide flu clinics

STAFF REPORT

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The state Department of Health will conduct statewide clinics from Friday through Sunday to administer free H1N1 vaccine to people in the recommended target groups who have not had previous access to the vaccine.

The clinic for people in Lawrence, Mercer, Crawford and Venango counties is at the Mercer County State Health Center, 25 McQuiston Drive, Jackson Center.

People in the target groups are those age 6 months to 24 years; household contacts and caregivers for children younger that 6 months; pregnant women; health-care providers and emergency medical services personnel; and individuals under 65 with underlying health conditions.

Clinic hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Appointments are required and can be made at www.H1N1inPA.com under “What’s Hot” or by calling (877) 724-3258 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Health officials said anyone seeking a vaccination should download an H1N1 vaccine consent form from the Web site.

Consent forms must be completed for each individual getting the vaccine, and preparing this form in advance will help the clinics more quickly register and vaccinate people.