Today is the first day H1N1 vaccines are available at the Mat-Su Public Health Center on Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Center staff describe the flow of people as steady but say they're not swamped. The doses are in nasal spray, and specifically for healthy 2- through 18-year-olds. They are free today through Thursday, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., depending on how long vaccines remain available.
Parents should bring their children’s immunization record because children who got some shots recently may have to delay the H1N1 vaccine, including nasal seasonal influenza or other live vaccines. The number of doses is limited, but more will be arriving, health officials say. Children under 10 will need two doses, at least a month apart. The second dose can be either a shot or spray.
The public health center is located at 3223 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. The center’s number is 352-6600.