FARMINGTON — H1N1 flu vaccine will be available to the general public at Davis County Health Department clinics Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The health department has also received its remaining supply of seasonal flu vaccine.

Tickets are necessary for the H1N1 vaccine. Remaining tickets will be distributed at the clinic locations only, beginning at 10 a.m.

The H1N1 clinics will all be held at the Bountiful Regional Center, 835 N. 400 East, North Salt Lake on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 3-8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 11, 3-8 p.m.; and on Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-3 .m.

Even though the clinics are now open to the public, those in high-risk groups who have not received a vaccination, should still get one.

Those groups include: pregnant women, a household member or caregiver of a child younger than six months, children age 6 months to 24 years, and health care or emergency medical services workers.

Other high-risk groups who should receive a vaccination are those age 25-64 years old who have a health condition associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza, such as heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, neurologic and neuromuscular conditions, weakened immune system, and those who a physician says are at high risk.

Those receiving the vaccination are asked to dress appropriately for the weather (such as coats, umbrellas, etc.) because a majority of the wait may be outside. Also, wear a short-sleeved shirt to speed the vaccination process.

When it comes to the seasonal flu vaccine, Davis Health Department director Lewis Garrett said people need to protect themselves and others by getting the seasonal flu vaccine.

“It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide maximum protection against this year’s seasonal flu strains,” he said.

Though it hasn’t received the same press as H1N1, getting the seasonal flu is more than just an inconvenience.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal influenza kills an average of 36,000 people each year in the United States and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people from flu complications,” said Garrett.

“Getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu is the easiest and most reliable way to keep from getting and spreading this potentially serious disease.”

Those who should get the seasonal flu vaccine include pregnant women, children ages 6 months to 19 years and members of the general public concerned about getting the flu.

Call the Clearfield Immunization Clinic on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 801-773-8834 or the Bountiful/Woods Cross Clinic on Tuesday or Thursday at 801-298-3919 before going to either clinic for the seasonal flu vaccine.

The Flu Information Line at 801-451-3333 has a recorded message updating residents about the latest availability of the seasonal flu vaccine. Also, the department’s website at www.daviscountyutah.gov/flu has the latest information.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com