Wednesday morning, the El Paso County Health Department is gearing up for its first of possibly four public H1N1 vaccination clinics.

It's a day many are waiting for. "Vaccine's been very limited in El Paso county considering our population. So, we do expect to see a good turnout," says Kandi Buckland, the Director of the El Paso County Health Department.

Leaders at the El Paso County Health Department are gearing up for the mass of people expected at Coronado High School at 1590 W. Fillmore St. in Colorado Springs. "We're ready to go and we are anxious to get about 3,000 people through the doors and vaccinated," says Buckland.

The 3,000 doses will be given out to those at high risk including pregnant women, caregivers of infants, anyone 6 months to 24-years-old, anyone 25 to 64-years-old with a chronic medical condition and all health care workers.

But there other are ways you can get a vaccine. "These community clinics are just one option for folks in the community so certainly that vaccine has been given out too local physicians we got some vaccines to pharmacies we have other partners that have been working with it," says Buckland.

The clinic opens Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Coronado High School for those high risk people. Next scheduled Community H1N1 flu Vaccination Clinic: New Life Church Friday, Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m.

All clinics are dependent on adequate supplies of H1N1 flu vaccine and may be canceled at any time.

Here's more information regarding the upcoming clinics in Southern Colorado and information from the El Paso Health Department.

This does not mean the H1N1 flu pandemic is ending. "Keep in mind that these indicators still show a significantly higher level of flu disease as compared to averages from 'typical' flu seasons," said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, medical director of El Paso County Department of Health and Environment. "We've seen 111 flu-associated hospitalizations from Aug. 30 to Oct. 27, which exceeds the total from the previous flu season, which was 99 hospitalizations (Oct. 2008 to April 2009)."

The Health Department encourages everyone to continue practicing flu prevention:

* Stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms. Keep your children home if they are showing signs of illness. You are not safe to return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever ends without the help of fever reducing medicines.

* Wash hands frequently

* Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or on a sleeve

* Stay away from others who are sick

* Have an emergency plan in case you are sick or you have to care for someone in your family who is. Stock up on food, medications and other supplies.

* Get a seasonal flu shot

More information about seasonal and H1N1 flu can be found at www.elpasocountyhealth.org. Or call the Pikes Peak United Way's Health and Human services at 211 or the Colorado's toll-free Help Line for H1N1 information is 1-877-462-2911

Here's more information regarding the clinics offered in Pueblo:

Public Mass Vaccination Clinics:
§ Saturday, November 14, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pueblo West High School, 661 Capistrano Drive, Pueblo West, CO 81007
§ Wednesday, November 18, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Pueblo City-County Health Department, 101 West 9th St., Pueblo, CO 81003
§ Saturday, November 21, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pueblo County High School, 1050 35th Lane, Pueblo, CO 81006

Priority Groups:
o Pregnant women
o People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months old
o Youth and young adults 6 months to 24-years-old
o Persons 25-64-years-old with chronic medical conditions
o Law enforcement & Fire personnel
o Health Care and Emergency Medical Services Personnel
o Teachers and school secretaries

Several doctor's offices have also received the vaccine. People are encouraged to check with their primary care physician to see if they have the vaccine.

WIC clients can also receive the vaccine during their regular appointments. Vaccine is not available through pharmacies in Pueblo County at this time.

Additional information at the Public Health Flu Hotline, Tuesday- Friday 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. (Closed on holidays) 583-4440.
Please note the change in Hotline operation days and time.