Thursday, December 17, 2009

H1N1 Vaccinations Now Available to All

Media Release

December 15, 2009

H1N1 Vaccinations Now Available to All
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ann-Gayl Ellis, PIO
352-540-6817

December 14, 2009

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine Now Available To All

The Hernando County Health Department announced Monday that priority group restrictions for H1N1 vaccinations have been lifted and all Hernando County residents and visitors are now eligible for vaccination. According to Elizabeth Callaghan, Health Department Administrator, “Initially, we had limited supplies of the vaccine so we concentrated on vaccinating those who are considered to be at highest risk of getting sick with H1N1. Now that those populations have had the opportunity to be vaccinated and vaccine availability is greater, we are able to offer vaccine to anyone who wants it.”

Many local health care providers including physicians, pharmacies and walk-in clinics have the H1N1 vaccine. Vaccine administration at one of these facilities will cost between $10.00 and $22.00.

The Health Department will continue to sponsor H1N1 vaccination clinics in January. Dates, times and locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information on the H1N1 virus or vaccination, call the Hernando County Health Department, 352-540-6855. Also, visit MyFluSafety.com or call the Florida Flu Information line 877-352-3581.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Five Preston Hollow Elves at work bringing Christmas Cheer





A big thanks to Al Walker, Jim Glenn, Tyrone Ricks, Charlie Vidiksis and Bob Cooper who not only helped but provided me with these photos for donating their time to make Preston Hollow a better place.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Christmas Events on 12/11/09

Angels on High: 6:30 to 9 p.m., Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill. Includes outdoor holiday music, Santa Claus, hand-crafted angels floating in the lighted trees, and entertainment by local performers. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Parking is $1. Donations appreciated. (352) 666-4746.

Christmas Events on 12/11/09

Winter Waterland at Weeki Wachee: 7 to 10 p.m., Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Includes the underwater Christmas Spectacular, a live nativity scene, Santa's Express Train for children, storytelling and a photo opportunity with the Mermaid Elves. Admission is $6 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger and season pass holders. (352) 592-5656.

Christmas Events

Bandshell Bash and Brooksville Cruise-In: 1 to 8 p.m., Hernando Park, 205 E Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. The free family event follows the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Brooksville. Includes live band music, holiday karaoke, a car show, vendors and other activities. Sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. (352) 754-4788.

Brooksville Christmas Parade: 10 a.m. This year's theme will be "Christmas On Main Street." Parade route: Varsity Drive, down Oakwood Drive, to Howell Avenue onto Main Street, to N Broad Street and ending at Bell Avenue. (352) 585-2021 or visit www.kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org.

Hernando County Health Department

Hernando County Health Department has expanded its target group for H1N1 vaccination and will host a third, free vaccination clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in the cafeteria of Nature Coast Technical High School, 4057 California St., Brooksville. Six hundred free vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointment times for vaccinations will be distributed beginning at 11:30 a.m. the day of the clinic. Appointment tickets are numbered and include time slots so residents who have appointment times later in the day can leave and return at their appointment time. One person can pick up tickets for family members. Participants can park and enter at the back entrance of the school.

In addition to health department-sponsored clinics, the H1N1 vaccine is now available at many local walk-in clinics, pharmacies, local physician's offices and other health care venues. So far, vaccination efforts have been focused on those at highest risk for getting sick from H1N1 and developing complications from it. This includes pregnant women; individuals age 6 months through 24 years; those persons 25 through 64 who have compromised immune systems or other chronic medical conditions; health care workers who have direct patient contact; and those who care for infants 6 months of age and younger. Local providers are encouraged to vaccinate those who fall within the identified priority groups until formal announcement is issued by the Florida Department of Health.

For more information on H1N1 flu, call the Florida Flu Information Line at 1-877-352-3581 or visit online at www.myflusafety.com. For local information, call the Hernando County Health Department at 352-540-6817.