Okaloosa County’s H1N1 vaccination clinic schedule has changed due to the delay in production and shipment of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine. Clinics that were originally planned for November 2 – 21 and November 30 – December 5 in locations throughout the county will be moved to the offices of the Okaloosa County Health Department, located in Fort Walton Beach and in Crestview.

The clinic hours of operation, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays and on Veterans Day (November 11), will remain the same.

H1N1 vaccination clinics will also be offered at both health department locations, Monday through Thursday, December 7 – 17, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

An important change during this delay is that the priority for initial vaccination has become more specific (for at least the first week of the clinics.) For clinics held on November 2 – 5, and November 7, H1N1 vaccination will be limited to pregnant women and to children (ages 6 months through 18 years.)

“I am asking the public to be patient as H1N1 vaccine arrives over the next eight to twelve weeks,” said Dr. Karen Chapman, Director of the Okaloosa County Health Department. “Our primary focus in Okaloosa will be to first provide vaccine to pregnant women, children, and adolescents. We know that pregnant women are having severe complications when contracting the virus, and children are in close contact in daycares and schools - and therefore spread the disease more readily than adults.”

While shipments of H1N1 vaccine do not arrive at regular intervals in this early phase of the vaccine distribution process, CDC officials expect “widespread availability” by mid-November.

Over half of the already-received H1N1 vaccine in Okaloosa County is being provided to physicians and hospitals. Many local pediatricians, obstetricians, internists, and family physicians are participating with the health department in the H1N1 vaccination program. People who prefer to receive the H1N1 vaccine at a doctor’s office should check with their physician to see if he/she is participating in this vaccination program.