ACC To Offer Free H1N1 Flu Vaccinations

(LITTLETON, CO - October 12, 2009) -- Arapahoe Community College is working with the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) to provide the 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine at the ACC Main Campus. Anyone in the community who is in one of the priority groups listed below can receive the vaccine at ACC. There will be no charge for this vaccine at the campus-located clinic.

The clinic has been scheduled to take place in the Dining Hall and in room M1950 in the Main Building on Nov. 6, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Dec.4, 2009, from 9 a.m. to1 p.m. The dates and times may change depending on availability of the vaccine.

Previously called “swine flu,” H1N1 Influenza is a new virus that makes people sick in the same way seasonal influenza does. The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza is a viral illness, so the best way to control it is by using preventive methods. These methods include good hand washing, staying home when you are sick and avoiding others who are sick. It also includes the new 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine. This vaccine is different from the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Children have been most affected by the disease, so they are a top priority for receiving the vaccine. Other groups who are considered a priority for getting the vaccine as soon as possible include pregnant women, young adults up to age 24, adults 25 through 64 who have chronic health problems such as asthma and diabetes, and adults who take care of infants under 6 months of age, because the infants are too young to receive the vaccine themselves.