The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is reminding those people at highest risk for complications from H1N1 flu to get vaccinated to protect themselves over the holiday season.

Free H1N1 vaccine will again be offered at the Carew Medical Park clinic on the following days:

• Monday, Nov. 30, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 2, 4 to 6:30 p.m. 
• Friday, Dec, 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Individuals within the following priority groups are currently eligible for the H1N1 vaccine:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age
• children and young people from 6 months old to 24 years old
• adults age 25 through 64 with a compromised immune system or chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes and cancer
• health care workers and emergency medical services personnel, including pharmacy and dental workers

"We encourage those who are in high-risk groups to get vaccinated, as the H1N1 vaccine is still the best protection for you and your loved ones against this illness,” said Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan. 

“With Thanksgiving here and Christmas just around the corner, we know that families will be getting together to celebrate the season. We also know that when people gather together there is the potential for an upswing in illness.”

“Now is not the time to become complacent. Although we are seeing fewer H1N1 cases now, the flu is still circulating in our community and there are still people dying from it.”

Three H1N1-related deaths in Allen County have already been confirmed and two more are under investigation. A total of 33 H1N1-related deaths have been reported statewide since June 1.