HUDSON – The Centers for Disease Control said we are beginning to see a decline in H1Ni flu while the H1N1 vaccine supply continues to increase, presenting the community with a “window of opportunity,” said Nancy Winch, Public Health director for the Columbia County Health Department. “While the flu activity is declining, it is far from gone. Vaccine is the best prevention against the H1N1 virus because with more people vaccinated, and therefore protected, it is harder for the 2009 H1N1 virus to spread.”

The Columbia County Health Department will hold a free H1N1 flu vaccine clinic, on Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Columbia Greene Community College, 4400 Route 23 in Hudson for Columbia County residents six months or older and  priority groups who have yet to get vaccinated.  No appointment is necessary.

The Rockland County Health Department has scheduled seasonal flu vaccine clinics on Friday, December 11 and Friday, December 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Robert L. Yeager health Center in Pomona.

The H1N1priority groups include these individuals:

• Pregnant women
• Children and young people ages 6 months through 24 years
• People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
• People ages 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications
• Health care workers and emergency medical services personnel