Utah County offering H1N1 vaccine

PROVO — The Utah County Health Department is making the H1N1 vaccine available to all county residents.

Health department officials said Tuesday they would still like those in the priority groups to be vaccinated first, but because of the abundant supply of the vaccine and the decrease in the demand, it has been opened up to everyone living in Utah County.

Spokesman Lance Madigan said the health department was hoping for a more general opening either to the whole state or by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but he said Utah County was ready now. Madigan said he thinks the vaccine will open up in all of Utah in the next couple of weeks.

The Utah County Health Department allowed walk-ins to get the H1N1 vaccination Tuesday, but appointments will be required for the 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday clinic at the Utah County Health and Justice Building, 151 S. University Ave. Appointments can be made online at www.UtahCountyHealth.org.

Children who have gotten just one dose of the H1N1 vaccine should get a second dose as soon as possible after a 28-day waiting period but can still get the second dose up to a couple months later, health officials said.

While the H1N1 vaccine is free to the public, the seasonal flu vaccine — available on a first-come, first-served basis — costs $23. Health department officials are asking those who just want the seasonal flu vaccine to visit the center on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

"Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to prevent disease," said Joseph Miner, Utah County Health Department director. "We know it has been a challenge for everyone this flu season and appreciate everyone's patience and efforts at this time."

For more information, call 801-851-2222.

e-mail: slenz@desnews.com