Vaccinations

News about H1N1 has faded, but it doesn’t mean there’s no need to get vaccinated.

That is one of the main messages being given out by health care officials, who note that H1N1 flu is still around and has behaved unpredictably. It could surge again, they say; getting vaccinated now is a way to be prepared.

Vaccine for H1N1 flu has been purchased by the federal government and distributed to states, according to population. State epidemiologist Jose Montero said New Hampshire has received 482,150 doses so far, of which more than 263,00 have been dispensed in public and private clinics – meaning there are still plenty of doses left.

The Greater Nashua Public Health Network, which covers 13 communities, has held free clinics that have vaccinated more than 3,500 people. The next is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13, at Merrimack Middle School from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The vaccines are also available at the Nashua Division of Public Health on Mulberry Street during free clinics every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., and Friday from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Vaccines also are available at relatively little cost from most doctors offices and private health clinics.