GALLIPOLIS — The Gallia County Health Department has been busy planning and preparing for H1N1 vaccinations.

An order for H1N1 vaccine was placed with the Ohio Department of Health on Oct. 2. The first 500 doses arrived on Oct. 14.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, the health department will administer the H1N1 vaccine according to the subset of target groups during the initial limited vaccine availability set by the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) which include:

• Pregnant women.

• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than six months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers).

• Healthcare workers and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material.

• Children ages six months through four years.

• Children and adolescents ages five through 18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

The health department will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20 to serve the public.

The health department anticipates shipments of the inactivated vaccine, or flu shot, and the Live, Attenuated Vaccine, more commonly known as Flu Mist each week.

Gerald E. Vallee, M.D., health commissioner, states that “vaccine will be limited in the beginning and will go first to priority groups.”

As the vaccine becomes more readily available, more people will be eligible for the vaccine. It is expected that there will be enough H1N1 vaccine for anyone who wants to receive it in the coming months.

The health department administered 2,900 seasonal flu shots during the week of Oct. 3 through Oct. 9, and are now out of adult seasonal flu vaccine for the 2009 season. Citizens who were not able to receive their seasonal flu vaccine and still need one are encouraged to contact their local physician or pharmacy to see if they have any available.

Steps citizens can take to stay healthy include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.

• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

For questions or concerns, please call the Gallia County Health Department at 441-2018.