Clinics in Montgomery County to offer swine flu vaccinations

Clinics throughout Montgomery County are beginning to offer individual vaccinations for the H1N1 flu, which has claimed 10 lives in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Human Services.

Currently, the H1N1 virus is categorized as widespread in Montgomery County, according to county reports. The target groups for priority vaccinations are children, young adults, adults at-risk for influenza, pregnant women and health care personnel, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, Montgomery County health officials recommend that everyone eventually receive an H1N1 vaccination.

County-funded clinics will offer free vaccines at no cost beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in the form of a nasal spray or injection. Children and young adults six months - 24 years old will be the main target group. Priority groups also include at-risk adults for influenza, pregnant women and health care personnel or providers. Individuals who do not meet the age specifications but are among the priority groups will not be turned away.

The dates and times for the locations listed below are: Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 4 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 4 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 4 - 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 4 - 8 p.m. There is no need for identification.

Northwood High School
919 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring (20901)
Northwest High School
13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown (20874)
Rockville High School
2100 Baltimore Road, Rockville (20851)

Last Friday, Oct. 9, the Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver Spring became the first clinic in the county to offer free vaccinations. The Piccard Drive Health Center, located on Rockville Pike, will be another clinic to offer free vaccinations on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and will focus on all of the priority groups.

Additional locations and dates for county clinics can be found on the official Montgomery County website. Other providers, including retail locations and private physicians will also receive quantities of the H1N1 vaccine. Contact the Montgomery County flu hotline at (240) 777-4200 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for additional questions or concerns.