By Galveston County Health District
The Daily News
Published December 6, 2009

LA MARQUE — The Galveston County Health District announced it will begin administering the H1N1 vaccine to any residents who wish to receive it beginning Monday.

The free vaccinations will be provided, while supplies last, at Galveston County Health District Headquarters, 1207 Oak St., La Marque, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected will be able to receive the H1N1 vaccination. Certain high-risk groups strongly are advised to receive the vaccination. They include:

• Pregnant women.

• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months.

• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.

• All people 6 months through 24 years old.

• People ages 25-64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza disease.

Children 9 years or younger who already have received their first dose of H1N1 vaccine should get a booster shot, health officials said. The child must wait at least a month after the first dose.

District officials encourage everyone to stay informed, and also practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu.

Recommended actions include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing and frequent hand washing. If soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol should be used.

For a video on proper hand washing, visit gchd.org.

For information about Galveston County Health District immunization activities and vaccine supply, call 409-938-7221.