The Tri-County Health Department and Douglas County Schools are teaming up to offer H1N1 flu vaccines to the community.

The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in early November.

"We are working with schools because the H1N1 virus has primarily affected individuals under 25 years of age," said Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director of Tri-County Health.

The school district will provide space to hold four clinics to offer free vaccine.

Those on the priority list are pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, health care workers, anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age and anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with a chronic medical condition or a weakened immune system.

The clinics are scheduled for:

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 7 at ThunderRidge High School
4-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Legend High School
4-8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Mountain Ridge Middle School
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Castle View High School

Vogt said he expects the clinics to go on as planned; however, dates and times may change depending on vaccine availability.


The H1N1 vaccine is produced just like the seasonal vaccine, only using a different strain of the virus.

"Some individuals feel this has been rushed and it is untested, but that is untrue - it is very safe," Vogt said.

For more information, contact Tri-County Health Department at tchd.org or 1-877-462-2911 or visit dcsdk12.org.

Erin Feese: 303-954-2953 or feesee@yourhub.com