CEDAR RAPIDS - Linn County Public Health released dates for three upcoming H1N1 vaccination clinics.  The clinics will be held at Hawkeye Downs, 4400 6th St. SW.

The first two clinics are by appointment only for those who qualify for the H1N1 vaccine.  People must call to schedule an appointment.  The clinics will be held on:

• Tuesday Dec. 1st from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday Dec. 3rd from 9:00 a.m. - Noon.

The third clinic is open to the public, and is first-come-first-serve, no appointment needed.  The third clinic is:

• Thursday Dec. 3rd from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The number to call is (319) 892-6009.  Phone lines to make appointments will open today, Tuesday Nov. 17th at Noon.  If the line is busy, call again, as you won't be able to leave a message.  Call center hours will be from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Due to an increase in the vaccine allotment to Linn County, the initial restricted groups have been expanded to include the following high risk groups identified by the CDC. Individuals that are in the following five categories qualify for the clinics mentioned above.

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age,
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Injectable and flu mist vaccine will be available at the clinic. If you qualify for the flu mist, you will be required to accept this form of vaccine. Injectable vaccine is in limited supply.

For more detailed information about 2009 H1N1 influenza, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/default.asp, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO